U.S. patent number 10,522,984 [Application Number 15/581,595] was granted by the patent office on 2019-12-31 for injection electrical connector.
This patent grant is currently assigned to NOVINIUM, INC., RICHARDS MFG, CO.. The grantee listed for this patent is Novinium, Inc.. Invention is credited to Glen J. Bertini, Jeffrey J Madden, Donald R. Songras.
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United States Patent |
10,522,984 |
Bertini , et al. |
December 31, 2019 |
Injection electrical connector
Abstract
A fitting for injecting a first fluid into an injection port of
a cable accessory. The fitting includes at least one seal
positioned on an injection nozzle. The nozzle is configured to be
inserted into the port and has an internal fluid passageway through
which the first fluid is injected into the accessory. The seal
forms at least one fluid tight seal between the nozzle and the
port. The fluid tight seal prevents the first fluid from exiting
the accessory and flowing into an outer portion of the port and
prevents a second fluid from flowing into an inner portion of the
port. The first and second fluids have first and second voltage
potentials, respectively. The second voltage potential is different
from the first voltage potential. The seal isolates the first and
second voltage potentials by isolating the first fluid from the
second fluid.
Inventors: |
Bertini; Glen J. (Fox Island,
WA), Songras; Donald R. (Kent, WA), Madden; Jeffrey J
(Montvale, NJ) |
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Novinium, Inc. |
Kent |
WA |
US |
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Assignee: |
NOVINIUM, INC. (Kent, WA)
RICHARDS MFG, CO. (Irvington, NJ)
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Family
ID: |
60157502 |
Appl.
No.: |
15/581,595 |
Filed: |
April 28, 2017 |
Prior Publication Data
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Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
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US 20170312960 A1 |
Nov 2, 2017 |
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Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
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62329132 |
Apr 28, 2016 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H02G
1/00 (20130101); F16K 15/18 (20130101); H02G
1/16 (20130101); B29C 45/20 (20130101); F16K
15/021 (20130101); B29C 45/14639 (20130101); H02G
15/013 (20130101); H01B 7/2813 (20130101); F16K
1/36 (20130101); B29K 2101/12 (20130101); B29L
2031/3462 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
H02G
1/00 (20060101); H01B 7/28 (20060101); H02G
1/16 (20060101); F16K 1/36 (20060101); H02G
15/013 (20060101); B29C 45/14 (20060101); B29C
45/20 (20060101); F16K 15/02 (20060101); F16K
15/18 (20060101) |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
Other References
International Search Report and Written Opinion, dated Aug. 30,
2016, received in International Application No. PCT/US2016/035934.
cited by applicant .
Non-Final Office Action, dated Oct. 20, 2017, received in U.S.
Appl. No. 15/581,405. cited by applicant .
Information Disclosure Statement Transmittal filed herewith. cited
by applicant .
Non-Final Office Action, dated Sep. 7, 2018, received in U.S. Appl.
No. 15/581,585. cited by applicant .
Notice of Allowance, dated Sep. 21, 2018, received in U.S. Appl.
No. 15/581,496. cited by applicant .
Notice of Allowance, dated Oct. 26, 2018, received in U.S. Appl.
No. 15/581,405. cited by applicant .
Final Office Action, dated May 31, 2018, received in U.S. Appl. No.
15/581,405. cited by applicant .
Non-Final Office Action, dated Jul. 26, 2018, received in U.S.
Appl. No. 15/581,890. cited by applicant .
Notice of Allowance, dated May 2, 2019, received in U.S. Appl. No.
15/581,890. cited by applicant.
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Primary Examiner: Lee; Pete T
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Davis Wright Tremaine LLP Colburn;
Heather M.
Parent Case Text
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application
No. 62/329,132, filed on Apr. 28, 2016, which is incorporated
herein by reference in its entirety.
Claims
The invention claimed is:
1. A fitting for injecting a first fluid into an injection port of
a cable accessory, the injection port having a first connecting
portion, the cable accessory housing a cable having a conductor
with a first voltage potential, an outside environment external to
the cable accessory having a second fluid with a second voltage
potential that is different from the first voltage potential, the
fitting comprising: an outer sleeve having a second connecting
portion configured to engage the first connecting portion and form
a connection therewith; an injection nozzle positioned inside the
outer sleeve, the injection nozzle being inserted into the
injection port when the connection is formed, the injection nozzle
having an internal fluid passageway through which the first fluid
enters the cable accessory, the first fluid having the first
voltage potential when the first fluid contacts the conductor
housed inside the cable accessory; a first seal configured to form
a first fluid tight seal between the injection nozzle and the
injection port, the first fluid tight seal preventing the first
fluid from entering an outer portion of the injection port beyond
the first seal; and a second seal that forms a second fluid tight
seal between the injection nozzle and the injection port, the
second fluid tight seal preventing the second fluid from entering
an inner portion of the injection port beyond the second seal, the
first and second seals isolating the first fluid having the first
voltage potential from the second fluid having the second voltage
potential.
2. The fitting of claim 1, wherein the connection is configured to
withstand at least 30 pounds per square inch ("psi") of
pressure.
3. The fitting of claim 2, wherein the connection is configured to
withstand between 30 psi and 1,000 psi of pressure.
4. The fitting of claim 1, wherein the first and second seals are
each an O-ring positioned on an outside of the injection
nozzle.
5. The fitting of claim 1, wherein the first and second seals space
the first fluid from the second fluid by a minimum distance of
about 0.3 inches to about 0.7 inches.
6. The fitting of claim 1, wherein the outer sleeve and the
injection nozzle are removable from the injection port.
7. The fitting of claim 1, wherein the injection nozzle comprises:
an internal valve that allows the first fluid to flow through the
internal fluid passageway when the internal valve is in an open
configuration, the internal valve preventing the first fluid from
flowing through the internal fluid passageway when the internal
valve is in a closed configuration; and a pin extending through the
internal fluid passageway and into the cable accessory, the pin
being configured to place the internal valve in the open
configuration when the injection nozzle is inserted into the
injection port and the pin is inside the cable accessory.
8. The fitting of claim 7 for use with the cable accessory
comprising a valve assembly, wherein the pin is configured to place
the internal valve in the open configuration when the pin contacts
the valve assembly.
9. The fitting of claim 8, further comprising: a biasing member
that biases the internal valve toward the closed configuration, the
internal valve comprising an inner cap connected to the pin, the
inner cap moving with the pin as a unit, the inner cap being in an
open position when the internal valve is in the open configuration
and in a closed position when the internal valve is in the closed
configuration, and the biasing member biasing the inner cap toward
the closed position.
10. The fitting of claim 1 for use with the first connecting
portion of the injection port comprising first threads, wherein the
second connecting portion comprises second threads configured to
mate with the first threads.
11. The fitting of claim 1 for use with the first connecting
portion of the injection port comprising a first portion of a twist
lock mechanism, wherein the second connecting portion comprises a
second portion of the twist lock mechanism configured to engage the
first portion of the twist lock mechanism.
12. The fitting of claim 1, wherein the injection nozzle has a
conical outer shape.
13. An injection probe for injecting a first fluid into an
injection port of a cable accessory, the cable accessory housing a
portion of a conductor of a cable, the conductor having a first
voltage potential, the injection probe comprising: an injection
nozzle configured to be inserted into the injection port, the
injection nozzle having an internal fluid passageway through which
the first fluid is injected into the cable accessory; and at least
one seal positioned on the injection nozzle, the least one seal
being configured to form at least one fluid tight seal between the
injection nozzle and the injection port when the injection nozzle
is inserted into the injection port, the at least one fluid tight
seal preventing the first fluid from exiting the cable accessory
and flowing into an outer portion of the injection port, the
injected first fluid having the first voltage potential when the
injected first fluid contacts the portion of the conductor, the at
least one fluid tight seal preventing a second fluid from flowing
into an inner portion of the injection port, the second fluid
having a second voltage potential that is different from the first
voltage potential, the at least one seal isolating the first and
second voltage potentials by isolating the injected first fluid
from the second fluid.
14. The injection probe of claim 13, further comprising: an outer
cap configured to be removably coupled to the injection port and to
extend along an outer surface of the injection port, the outer cap
having an opening into a channel, the injection port being
receivable into the channel through the opening, the injection
nozzle extending through the channel and exiting therefrom through
the opening.
15. The injection probe of claim 14, wherein the opening is a first
opening, the outer cap has a second opening into the channel, the
internal fluid passageway comprises first and second open ends, and
the injection probe further comprises: a fitting received inside
the second opening of the outer cap, the fitting extending into the
first open end of the internal fluid passageway, the fitting having
an internal through-channel through which the first fluid enters
the internal fluid passageway; a pin having a first end opposite a
second end, the first end being received inside the internal
through-channel of the fitting, the pin extending from the fitting
through the internal fluid passageway and exiting the internal
fluid passageway through the second open end thereof; a valve
positioned inside the fitting, the valve comprising an inner cap
connected to the first end of the pin, the pin and the inner cap
being movable together between open and closed positions, the valve
allowing the first fluid to flow through the internal fluid
passageway and enter the cable accessory when the pin and the inner
cap are in the open position, the valve preventing the first fluid
from flowing through the internal fluid passageway and into the
cable accessory when the pin and the inner cap are in the closed
position, the pin and the inner cap moving to the open position
when the second end of the pin is inserted into the cable
accessory; and a biasing member positioned inside the fitting, the
biasing member biasing the pin and the inner cap toward the closed
position.
16. The injection probe of claim 15, further comprising: third and
fourth seals positioned within the first open end of the internal
fluid passageway between the fitting and the injection nozzle, the
third seal being positioned to stop the injected first fluid from
flowing out of the cable accessory through the first open end of
the internal fluid passageway, the fourth seal being positioned to
stop the second fluid from entering the internal fluid
passageway.
17. The injection probe of claim 15, wherein the inner cap abuts a
portion of the injection nozzle when the pin and the inner cap are
in the closed position preventing the injected first fluid from
flowing between the inner cap and the portion of the injection
nozzle, the inner cap is spaced apart from the portion of the
injection nozzle when the pin and the inner cap are in the open
position allowing the injected first fluid to flow between the
inner cap and the portion of the injection nozzle, and the
injection probe further comprises a valve seal that forms a third
fluid tight seal between the inner cap and the portion of the
injection nozzle when the pin and the inner cap are in the closed
position.
18. The injection probe of claim 15, wherein the second end of the
pin is configured to open a valve inside the cable accessory.
19. The injection probe of claim 13, wherein the injection nozzle
has a first end opposite a second end, the first fluid exits the
internal fluid passageway at the second end of the injection nozzle
and enters the cable accessory when the injection nozzle is
inserted into the injection port, and the injection nozzle has a
tapered portion that tapers toward the second ends so that the
second end is narrower than the first end.
20. The injection probe of claim 13, wherein the at least one seal
comprises first and second seals positioned on the injection
nozzle, the second seal is spaced apart from the first seal
lengthwise along the injection nozzle, the at least one fluid tight
seal comprises first and second first fluid tight seals, the first
seal forms the first fluid tight seal, the first fluid tight seal
prevents the first fluid from exiting the cable accessory and
flowing into the outer portion of the injection port, the second
seal forms the second fluid tight seal, and the second fluid tight
seal prevents the second fluid from flowing into the inner portion
of the injection port.
21. The injection probe of claim 20, wherein the first and second
seals are each an O-ring.
22. An injection probe for injecting a treatment fluid into an
injection port of a cable accessory, the injection probe
comprising: an injection nozzle configured to be inserted into the
injection port, the injection nozzle having an internal fluid
passageway through which the cable treatment fluid is injected into
the cable accessory, the internal fluid passageway comprising first
and second open ends; a pin having a first end opposite a second
end; and a valve comprising an internal through-channel, a poppet
member, and a biasing member, the internal through-channel being in
fluid communication with the internal fluid passageway, the first
end of the pin being positioned inside the internal
through-channel, the pin extending from the internal
through-channel through the internal fluid passageway and exiting
the internal fluid passageway through the second open end thereof,
the pin and the poppet member being movable together as a unit
between open and closed positions, the valve allowing the treatment
fluid to flow through the internal fluid passageway and enter and
exit the cable accessory when the pin and the poppet member are in
the open position, the valve preventing the treatment fluid from
flowing through the internal fluid passageway and into the cable
accessory when the pin and the poppet member are in the closed
position, the biasing member being positioned inside the internal
through-channel, the biasing member biasing the pin and the poppet
member toward the closed position, the pin and the poppet member
moving to the open position when the second end of the pin presses
against a structure inside the cable accessory, which pushes the
pin outwardly and overcomes a biasing force exerted by the biasing
member that biases the pin and the poppet member toward the closed
position.
23. The injection probe of claim 22, wherein the structure is a
valve assembly, and the pin opens the valve assembly when the pin
presses thereupon.
24. The injection probe of claim 22, further comprising: a fitting
extending into the first open end of the internal fluid passageway
and comprising the internal through-channel.
25. The injection probe of claim 24, further comprising: third and
fourth seals positioned within the first open end of the internal
fluid passageway between the fitting and the injection nozzle, the
third seal being positioned to stop the treatment fluid from
flowing out of the cable accessory through the first open end of
the internal fluid passageway, the fourth seal being positioned to
stop an external fluid from entering the internal fluid
passageway.
26. The injection probe of claim 24, wherein the poppet member
abuts a portion of the injection nozzle when the pin and the poppet
member are in the closed position preventing the injected treatment
fluid from flowing between the poppet member and the portion of the
injection nozzle, the poppet member is spaced apart from the
portion of the injection nozzle when the pin and the poppet member
are in the open position allowing the injected treatment fluid to
flow between the poppet member and the portion of the injection
nozzle, and the injection probe further comprises a valve seal that
forms a third fluid tight seal between the poppet member and the
portion of the injection nozzle when the pin and the poppet member
are in the closed position.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention
The present invention is directed generally to components used with
medium voltage electrical power cables and, more particularly, to
components used to inject a fluid into an interior of a cable.
Description of the Related Art
A known problem that occurs in power cables (e.g., medium voltage
solid dielectric power cables in underground distribution networks)
is the formation of concentrations of moisture, sometimes referred
to as "water trees," in the insulation that surrounds the cable
conductor (e.g., twisted wire strands). This dielectric breakdown
is generally attributed to a "treeing" phenomena (i.e., formation
of oxidized polymer in dendritic patterns within the insulation
material that resemble trees), which leads to a progressive
degradation of the cable's insulation.
Treatment fluids (e.g., phenylmethyldialkoxysilane,
dimethyldialkoxysilane, tolylethylmethyldialkoxysilane,
cyanobutylmethyldialkoxysilane, and the like) have been developed
that are injected into the interior of the cable, diffuse into the
insulation, and interact with the moisture in the micro-voids. This
process is sometimes referred to as cable rejuvenation. To inject
the treatment fluid, an injection port must be installed that
provides fluid communication with the interior of the cable. For
example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,195,504 and 7,538,274 describe injection
adapters suitable for Sustained Pressure injection of rejuvenation
treatment fluid into a power cable. Sustained Pressure Rejuvenation
("SPR") differs from earlier injection methods because the
injection occurs at higher pressures, typically greater than 30
psi, and the pressure is sealed inside the cable, and sustained
therein, when injection has been completed. Such SPR injection is
generally performed on de-energized cables. However, SPR injection
may be used on energized cables terminated at both ends by
live-front terminators that allow physical fluid access to the
interior of the cable.
There are times when it is desirable to introduce a treatment fluid
into and withdraw a treatment fluid from an energized cable having
at least one dead-front termination (e.g., when rejuvenating a
cable with a dielectric enhancement fluid). This is typically done
at dead-front terminations implemented using dead front injection
elbows, such as those described by U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,946,393 and
6,332,785. But it can also be done at single piece injection
splices and modular injection splices, which each have an injection
port. Cable accessories that include an injection port are
generally referred to hereinafter as "injection components."
Unfortunately, currently available dead front injection components
(e.g., dead front injection elbows and injection splices) used to
introduce a restorative fluid into a cable's interior suffer from
at least one or more of the following eight shortcomings.
First, because the treatment fluid comes into intimate contact with
the entirety of the annular interior of the injection component, a
portion of the treatment fluid is wasted. Injection components
typically include a semi-conductive insert, a surrounding layer of
insulation, and a semi-conductive exterior layer. Unfortunately, a
significant wasted portion of the treatment fluid injected into the
injection component permeates into the semi-conductive insert, the
surrounding layer of insulation, and the semi-conductive exterior
layer. Further, at least some of the wasted portion exits the
injection component into the surrounding environment, and
represents a significant fluid loss. Depending upon cable geometry,
fluid delivery method, injection pressure, and operating
temperature, this loss may range from about 5% to about 15% of the
treatment fluid supplied to the injection component. Further, this
loss could exceed 15%.
Second, the treatment fluid may cause subcomponents of the
injection component to swell and exceed desired tolerances and/or
fail. For example, the treatment fluid may cause ethylene propylene
diene monomer ("EPDM") rubber and ethylene propylene rubber
("EPR"), the most common polymers used in injection components, to
swell in excess of 40%, at cable operating temperatures above about
50.degree. C. This is a larger factor when a soak period is
utilized (e.g., in small cables) to provide sufficient fluid to the
interiors of the cables. An injection component experiencing such
swelling will no longer meet industry standard dimensional
requirements, such as those of IEEE386.TM.. Further, the treatment
fluid may cause silicone rubber (often used to construct cable
termination and splicing accessories) to swell in excess of 40%, at
ambient temperatures of about 20.degree. C. Swelling to these
extents can lead to failure of the component.
Third, currently available injection components limit maximum
injection pressures to a level that is less than optimum for cable
rejuvenation. Cable accessories (e.g., elbows and splices) that
have been designed to accommodate fluid injection rely on an
interference fit between the cable accessory and the cable
insulation to retain fluid pressure. Generally this interface
cannot contain pressures in excess of 30 psi. On the other hand,
testing has shown that cable insulation can withstand pressures up
to 1000 psi (dependent on configuration and insulation material)
and that using higher pressures improves the quality of the
treatment. Bertini & Keitges, "Silicone Injection: Better with
Pressure," ICC, Sub. A., May 19, 2009.
Fourth, externally applied conventional hose clamps that compromise
the electrical integrity of the injection component are required to
operate the injection component at higher pressures. Currently
utilized injectable components can withstand a maximum internal
pressure within a range of about 5 psig to about 30 psig depending
upon the size of the cable, the design of the injection component,
operating temperature, and the materials used to construct the
injection component. Often, to operate at the higher end of this
range, an external hose clamp is applied to the injection component
to counteract hoop stress caused by the fluid pressure.
Unfortunately, the hose clamp deforms the injection component and
compromises the electrical integrity of the injection component.
Additionally, the hose clamps are typically left in place, and
creep over time, which further compromises the electrical integrity
of the injection component. While these hose clamps may be removed
after the treatment is completed, doing so requires an additional
visit to the cable termination, which increases both expense and
risk of injury.
Fifth, a portion of the treatment fluid may leak from the branch of
a treatment elbow that houses the probe pin. Injection elbows are
the most common dead-front components used to inject treatment
fluid into a cable. An O-ring or D-ring seal is conventionally
applied to the base of the probe pin to prevent fluid from leaking
out of the branch of the elbow housing the probe pin and into the
environment or a mated bushing. Unfortunately, this seal has been
known to leak, causing damage to bushings, and creating a fire or
explosion hazard. This problem is described in Bertini &
Brinton, "A Comparison of Rejuvenation Hazards," EDIST 2009, Jan.
13, 2009, which is incorporated herein by reference in its
entirety.
Sixth, whenever the injection port is open (e.g., an injection cap
or a permanent cap has been removed) some of the treatment fluid
may flow out through the open injection port. This decreases
residual pressure in the cable and (proportionally) the volume of
the treatment fluid in the cable. Treatment fluid may spray or
dribble from the injection port and create a hazard potential for
fire, injure personnel, and/or contaminate the environment.
Seventh, the permanent cap used to close the injection port of some
types of injection components may be mistaken for a cap used to
seal other types of devices found on cable accessories that are not
used to inject treatment fluid into cables. For example, many
permanent caps have an external ring-shaped attachment point that
is used to remove and install the cap. This ring-shaped attachment
point may be mistaken for the external ring-shaped attachment point
of a cap used on other devices mounted on cable accessories. For
example, the external ring-shaped attachment point of the permanent
cap may be mistaken for an eye (or eyelet) included on an elbow and
used to pull on the elbow. By way of another example, the external
ring-shaped attachment point of the permanent cap may be mistaken
for a similar structure on a cover used to close a capacitive test
point that can easily be removed by a standard hot stick implement.
Such mistakes can result in the permanent cap being removed from
the injection port, which exposes the cable conductor directly to
atmosphere, creates a passage through which foreign objects can
come in contact with the voltage of the cable conductor, and a
passage through which potential can spontaneously and violently
flash-over creating an arc flash and a power outage. The
temperature of an arc flash can reach 35,000.degree. F. and hence
poses a substantial threat to operators and nearby equipment.
Personnel unfamiliar with the function of the injection port can
expose themselves to danger, create a hazard for others, and
initiate a failure point if the permanent cap is not promptly
replaced and/or is handled improperly.
Therefore, a need exists for new injection components that avoid
one or more of the shortcomings discussed above. The present
application provides these and other advantages as will be apparent
from the following detailed description and accompanying
figures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S)
FIG. 1A is a perspective view of an embodiment of a modular
injection component ("MIC") connected to both a cable and a cable
accessory (illustrated in cross-section).
FIG. 1B is a top view of the MIC of FIG. 1A connected to the cable
and a fitting of the cable accessory.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an end of the cable.
FIG. 3 is a longitudinal cross-sectional side view of the MIC of
FIG. 1A, which includes an injection port, an optional reticulated
flash prevention ("RFP") plug, an optional limited permeation
insert ("LPI"), a MIC body, an optional valved injection adapter
("VIA") assembly, and a MIC conductor.
FIG. 4 is a side view of the optional RFP plug.
FIG. 5 is a longitudinal cross-sectional side view of the MIC body
of the MIC of FIG. 1A.
FIG. 6A is an enlargement of a portion of FIG. 3 omitting the
optional RFP plug.
FIG. 6B is an enlargement of a portion of FIG. 6A.
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a subassembly including the cable,
the optional VIA assembly, and the MIC conductor.
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the MIC conductor.
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a VIA body of the optional VIA
assembly.
FIG. 10 is a longitudinal cross-sectional side view of the VIA
body.
FIG. 11A is a partially exploded perspective view of the optional
VIA assembly, which includes the VIA body, VIA seals, a first
embodiment of a biasing member, an optional clip, and a valve
cartridge.
FIG. 11B is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the
biasing member of the optional VIA assembly.
FIG. 12A is a lateral cross-sectional view of the optional VIA
assembly in which a poppet member of the valve cartridge is
depicted in a closed position.
FIG. 12B is a lateral cross-sectional view of the optional VIA
assembly in which the poppet member of the valve cartridge is
depicted in an open position.
FIG. 13 is a lateral cross-sectional view of the MIC of FIG. 1A
with an injection probe pin inserted into the injection port of the
MIC and pressing upon the biasing member, which moves the poppet
member to the position depicted in FIG. 12B.
FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view of the valve cartridge of
the optional VIA assembly.
FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional side view of a valve body of the valve
cartridge.
FIG. 16 is a side perspective view of a poppet member of the valve
cartridge.
FIG. 17 is a top view of the poppet member of FIG. 16.
FIG. 18 is a longitudinal cross-sectional side view of an alternate
embodiment of the MIC that omits both the optional VIA assembly and
the optional LPI.
FIG. 19 is a longitudinal cross-sectional side view of a slice
assembly including an alternate embodiment of the LPI.
FIG. 20 is a flow diagram of a method of installing the MIC of FIG.
1A between the cable and the cable accessory.
FIG. 21 is a side view of an injection probe assembly being
inserted into the injection port of the MIC of FIG. 1A.
FIG. 22 is an exploded perspective view of the injection probe
assembly.
FIG. 23A is a lateral cross-sectional view of the injection probe
assembly coupled to the injection port of the MIC of FIG. 1A.
FIG. 23B is an enlargement of a portion of FIG. 23A.
FIG. 24A is a longitudinal cross-sectional side view of the
injection probe assembly injecting a treatment fluid into the
injection port of the MIC of FIG. 1A while both components are
submerged in water with bold lines illustrating locations at which
the water tries to infiltrate the injection probe assembly and the
MIC.
FIG. 24B is a longitudinal cross-sectional side view of the
injection probe assembly injecting the treatment fluid into the
injection port of the MIC of FIG. 1A while both components are
submerged in water with bold lines illustrating locations at which
the treatment fluid tries to escape from the injection probe
assembly and the MIC.
FIG. 25 is a perspective top view of a tapered injection nozzle of
the injection probe assembly.
FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional side view of an outer cap of the
injection probe assembly.
FIG. 27 is a perspective view of an elbow shaped connector of the
injection probe assembly.
FIG. 28 is a perspective side view of a cap being inserted into the
injection port of the MIC of FIG. 1A.
FIG. 29 is a side view of the cap installed on the injection port
of the MIC of FIG. 1A.
FIG. 30 is a lateral cross-sectional view of the cap installed on
the injection port of the MIC of FIG. 1A.
FIG. 31 is a perspective sectional view of the cap.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
FIG. 1A is a perspective view of an embodiment of a modular
injection component ("MIC") 100. The MIC 100 is used to connect a
cable 110 to a cable accessory 112 to form an assembly 114. As is
apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art, the cable accessory
112 may be connected to other electrical equipment (not shown),
such as a transformer, switch, feed-through bushing, etc.
In alternate embodiments (not shown), the cable accessory 112 may
be integrated into the MIC 100 or may be a subcomponent of the MIC
100. In such embodiments, the assembly 114 includes the MIC 100 and
the cable 110.
The MIC 100 includes an access or injection port 116 through which
treatment fluid 120 may be inserted into (or withdrawn from) an
interior 122 (see FIG. 2) of the cable 110 by an injection probe
assembly (e.g., an injection probe assembly 130) or other injection
device. For ease of illustration, in FIG. 1A, the injection probe
assembly has been implemented as the injection probe assembly 130.
However, this is not a requirement and other types of injection
probe assemblies or other types of injection devices may be used
with the MIC 100. For example, a cap-like injection device
configured to be removably coupled to the injection port 116 may be
used to inject the treatment fluid 120 into the injection port 116.
Such a device may include a friction fit plug or simple cap that
attaches to the injection port 116 but does not extend inwardly
into the injection port 116. Alternatively, the cap-like injection
device may be held into place on the injection port 116 by a
fastener (e.g., a hook or strap) that attaches to or wraps around
the MIC 100. By way of another non-limiting example, the injection
device may have a nozzle that is inserted into the injection port
116 and held in place by a human operator as the injection
occurs.
One of ordinary skill in the art of cable rejuvenation readily
recognizes that while nominally pure treatment fluids are
introduced into a first cable end, what comes out the second end is
not precisely the same as the introduced treatment fluid. The
treatment fluid will pick up contaminants, including, but not
limited to, carbon black, clay fillers, organic compounds, water,
and ions. In fact, at the fluid outlet, water and ions may be
pushed ahead of the injected treatment fluid. The effluent cannot
be known a priori and must be assumed to be conductive for safety
reasons. These contaminants disrupt the dielectric properties of
the treatment fluid as introduced and create electrical containment
issues when a cable is treated while energized. These issues are
most severe at the fluid outlet, but even the inlet may be
contaminated by Brownian diffusion where inlet flow rates are very
low. Therefore, after introduction into the cable, treatment fluid
is understood to include nominally pure treatment fluid,
contaminated treatment fluid, and any fluid (e.g., water with ions)
existing in the cable interior prior to injection that is pushed
ahead of the treatment fluid.
In the embodiment illustrated, the injection probe assembly 130 is
connected by a hose or tube 132 to a fluid source 134 (e.g., a
tank), in which the treatment fluid 120 is stored. The injection
probe assembly 130 has an injection probe pin 136 configured to
extend into the injection port 116 when the injection probe
assembly 130 is attached to the injection port 116.
Inside the fluid source 134, a pressurized gas 135 applies pressure
to the treatment fluid 120. Thus, the treatment fluid 120 is under
pressure inside the fluid source 134. The pressurized gas 135 may
be supplied to the fluid source 134 by an external tank (not
shown). The fluid source 134 may include a gauge (not shown) that
may be used to display the pressure inside the fluid source 134.
Alternate means, such as but not limited to a pump (not shown) may
be used to supply the treatment fluid 120 under pressure. The
treatment fluid 120 may be implemented using any cable treatment or
rejuvenation fluid known in the art. Non-limiting examples of such
fluids include phenylmethyldialkoxysilane, dimethyldialkoxysilane,
tolylethylmethyldialkoxysilane, cyanobutylmethyldialkoxysilane and
the like.
Alternatively, the injection probe assembly 130 (other injection
device) could be used to pump dry air or gas into the interior 122
of the cable 110 through the injection port 116 of the MIC 100.
A cap 140 may be used to close the injection port 116 and seal it
from the outside environment whenever the injection probe assembly
130 (or other injection device) is not connected to the injection
port 116. The cap 140 has a stem portion 142 configured to extend
into the injection port 116 when the cap 140 is attached to the
injection port 116, which prevents fluid from exiting the MIC 100
through the injection port 116 and (as explained below) insulates
the interior of the MIC 100 from the outside environment. The stem
portion 142 is constructed from electrically insulating material.
The cap 140 also has a skirt portion 144 that is spaced apart from
and surrounds the stem portion 142. The skirt portion 144 is
constructed from electrically semi-conductive material. The skirt
portion 144 receives the injection port 116 and extends along its
outer surface when the cap 140 is attached to the injection port
116 with the stem portion 142 inserted therein.
The cap 140 may be characterized as being permanent because the cap
140 closes the injection port 116 electrically. As explained below,
the stem portion 142 extends into the injection port 116 to
complete the insulation. At the same time, the skirt portion 144
extends along the outside of the injection port 116 and (as
explained below) mates with a semi-conductive outer insulation
shield 332 (see FIGS. 3 and 5) of an outer housing or MIC body 310
(which may be connected to ground by a ground wire) of the MIC 100.
Thus, the cap 140 may be used to seal the MIC 100 in a manner that
makes the sealed MIC 100 operate as a fully dead-front device.
Referring to FIG. 2, the cable 110 extends longitudinally along a
cable axis 200. For ease of illustration, in FIG. 2, the cable 110
is illustrated as a conventional jacketed concentric neutral
Underground Residential Distribution ("URD") cable used for medium
voltage applications. However, the cable 110 may be implemented
using alternative cables such as a non-jacketed bare concentric
neutral URD cable, a cable with one or more tape shields, a low
voltage cable, and the like.
The cable 110 includes a longitudinally extending cable conductor
202 (e.g., including a plurality of longitudinally extending
electrically conductive strands 203) surrounded lengthwise by a
plurality of concentrically oriented layers 204. Interstitial
spaces 205 between the conductive strands 203 provide one or more
flow paths through the interior 122 of the cable 110. In the
embodiment illustrated, the layers 204 include a conductor shield
206 immediately adjacent the cable conductor 202, a substantially
non-conductive insulation layer 208 immediately adjacent the
conductor shield 206, and a semi-conductive insulation shield 210
immediately adjacent the insulation layer 208. A plurality of
concentric wires or neutrals 212 may be wound around the insulation
shield 210. The outermost of the layers 204 is a cable jacket 214
that covers and protects the other layers of the cable 110.
Referring to FIG. 3, the cable 110 is connected at its end 220 to
the MIC 100. Before the cable 110 is connected to the MIC 100, at
the end 220, portions of the cable jacket 214 (see FIG. 2) and the
neutrals 212 (see FIG. 2) are removed to expose an end portion 222
of the insulation shield 210. Then, an end most portion of the
exposed end portion 222 of the insulation shield 210 is removed to
expose an end portion 223 of the insulation layer 208. Finally, a
portion of the exposed end portion 223 of the insulation layer 208
and the conductor shield 206 (see FIG. 2) underneath the exposed
end portion 223 are removed to expose an end portion 224 of the
cable conductor 202. The cable conductor 202 has an outer diameter
226 (see FIG. 2).
Referring to FIG. 1A, the MIC 100 may be used to inject the
treatment fluid 120 into the cable 110 when the cable is energized.
In such implementations, the cable accessory 112 may be implemented
as a standard dead-front cable accessory. For ease of illustration,
in FIG. 1A, the cable accessory 112 is illustrated as a
conventional dead-front load break elbow. However, the cable
accessory 112 may be implemented using alternative cable
accessories such as a splice, another MIC (like the MIC 100), a
dead-break elbow, a non-load-break elbow, a separable connector, a
stress-control termination, a live-front termination, and the
like.
The cable accessory 112 includes a fitting 230 configured to be
connected to the cable conductor 202 (see FIG. 2) and form an
electrical connection therewith. By way of non-limiting examples,
the fitting 230 may be a coppertop connector. In the embodiment
illustrated, the fitting 230 has a compression connector 232 and a
threaded hole 235 (see FIG. 1B). In the embodiment illustrated, the
cable accessory 112 includes a contact probe 236 (also referred to
as a probe pin) that is removably connectable to the fitting 230
via the threaded hole 235 (see FIG. 1B). The contact probe 236 has
a threaded end 237 configured to be threaded into the threaded hole
235 (see FIG. 1B) of the fitting 230.
The cable accessory 112 has an outer housing 240 configured to
house the fitting 230 therein. In the embodiment illustrated, the
outer housing 240 includes a semi-conductive outer insulation
shield 241. The housing 240 has an opening 242 formed in the
semi-conductive outer insulation shield 241 into which the fitting
230 may be inserted during assembly of the cable accessory 112.
When the cable accessory 112 is implemented as an elbow, the
housing 240 has an internal L-shaped channel 246 with a first
branch 248 that opens at the opening 242, and a second branch 250
that opens at an opening 252. The contact probe 236 may be inserted
into the housing 240 through the opening 252 and connected to the
fitting 230 at or near the intersection of the first and second
branches 248 and 250. Then, an elbow bushing 256 may be inserted
into the housing 240 through the opening 252 and connected to the
contact probe 236. The elbow bushing 256 sealingly mates with the
housing 240 within the second branch 250 and along the opening
252.
Optionally, the outer housing 240 may include a port 254 formed
therein that is closed by a removable cap 257. The cap 257 includes
an external ring-shaped attachment point or pulling eyelet 258. By
way of a non-limiting example, the port 254 may be a capacitive
test point and the cap 257 may be removed by a standard hot stick
implement. Optionally, the outer housing 240 may include a pulling
eyelet 260 that may be used to pull on the cable accessory 112
(e.g., using a standard hot stick implement).
The MIC 100 has a first end portion 300 opposite a second end
portion 302. The first end portion 300 is connectable to the end
220 of the cable 110 and the second end portion 302 of the MIC 100
is connectable to the cable accessory 112. The first end portion
300 forms a mechanical connection with the cable 110 that helps
prevent movement of the cable 110 relative to the MIC 100. As will
be described in more detail below, the first end portion 300 also
provides an electrical connection with the cable conductor 202 (see
FIG. 2), and forms both an electrically insulated connection, and a
fluid tight seal with the cable 110. Similarly, the second end
portion 302 forms a mechanical connection with the fitting 230 of
the cable accessory 112 that helps prevent movement of the MIC 100
(and the cable 110) relative to the cable accessory 112. As will be
described in more detail below, the second end portion 302 also
provides an electrical connection with the fitting 230 of the cable
accessory 112, and forms both an electrically insulated connection,
and a fluid tight seal with the cable accessory 112. The fluid
tight seals formed by the first and second end portions 300 and 302
may be configured to withstand injection pressures of about 5 psi
to about 30 psi. However, as described below, the MIC 100 may be
configured for use with higher injection pressures.
The MIC 100 may be used to inject the treatment fluid 120 into a
wide variety of cable types and sizes (e.g., different conductor
diameters, different insulation thicknesses, and the like). For
example, the MIC 100 may be configured for use with the following:
1. cables and/or cable accessories used for different voltage
classes (e.g., secondary voltages below 600 v, medium voltage
cables including 15 kV, 25 kV, and 35 kV, and transmission voltage
above 35 kV); 2. cable accessories having small or large bushing
interfaces used at 35 kV; 3. cable accessories that include
dead-break and load-break components; 4. cable accessories with and
without capacitive test points; and 5. cables and/or cable
accessories having different lengths (e.g., standard, elongated,
and repair lengths).
Referring to FIG. 3, the MIC 100 includes the MIC body 310, an
optional limited permeation insert ("LPI") 312, an optional
reticulated flash prevention ("RFP") plug 314, a MIC conductor 318,
and an optional valved injection adapter ("VIA") assembly 320.
Referring to FIG. 7, the MIC conductor 318, the VIA assembly 320,
and the cable 110 may be assembled together into a subassembly 330
that is inserted into the MIC body 310 (see FIGS. 1A, 3, and 5) as
described below.
Mic Body
As mentioned above, the LPI 312 and the VIA assembly 320 are both
optional. FIGS. 1A, 3, 5-6B, 13, 21, 23A, 24A, and 24B depict an
embodiment of the MIC body 310 configured for use with the LPI 312
and the VIA assembly 320. FIG. 18 depicts an embodiment of a MIC
body 310' that may be used to construct an embodiment of the MIC
100 that omits both the LPI 312 and the VIA assembly 320.
Referring to FIG. 5, in the embodiment illustrated, the MIC body
310 is constructed (e.g., molded) as a single unit. However, in
alternate embodiments (not shown), the MIC body 310 may be
constructed from two or more body components assembled together. In
the embodiment illustrated, the MIC body 310 includes the
semi-conductive outer insulation shield 332, an insulation portion
334, and a semi-conductive layer or insert 336. The outer
insulation shield 332 provides a semi-conductive exterior that may
be connected to ground (e.g., by a ground wire) and act as a ground
plane. The outer insulation shield 332 and the insert 336 may be
formed first, placed in a mold, and the insulation portion 334
injected into the mold to connect the outer insulation shield 332
and the insert 336 together. The MIC body 310 may be molded around
the LPI 312 or otherwise constructed therewith as a unit. For
example, the optional LPI 312 may be placed in the mold with the
outer insulation shield 332 and the insert 336 before the
insulation portion 334 is injected into the mold. By way of a
non-limiting example, the MIC body 310 may be constructed from EPDM
rubber, EPR, silicone rubber, one or more other compliant
insulating materials, and the like.
The MIC body 310 extends longitudinally along a MIC axis 340 and
has a first end 350 opposite a second end 352. The first end 350 is
formed in the outer insulation shield 332. The second end 352 is
formed in both the insulation portion 334, and the insert 336. The
first end 350 has an alignment feature 338 (e.g., a raised portion)
that (as described below) may be used to align the subassembly 330
(see FIG. 7) with the injection port 116. Referring to FIG. 3, at
the first end 350, the outer insulation shield 332 mates with the
semi-conductive insulation shield 210 of the cable 110 to continue
a dead-front ground plane across the connection therebetween. The
dead-front ground plane is also continued across the connection
formed between the second end 352 and the cable accessory 112 (see
FIG. 1A). Referring to FIG. 1A, the opening 242 formed in the
semi-conductive insulation shield 241 of the cable accessory 112
mates with the outer insulation shield 332 (see FIG. 3) of the MIC
body 310.
Referring to FIG. 5, an open ended internal channel 356 extends
through the MIC body 310 along the MIC axis 340 from the first end
350 to the second end 352. As shown in FIG. 3, the internal channel
356 is configured to house the subassembly 330 (see FIG. 7) with
the cable 110 and the MIC conductor 318 extending outwardly from
the MIC body 310. The cable 110 extends outwardly from the internal
channel 356 through a first channel opening 360 formed in the first
end 350 of the MIC body 310. The MIC conductor 318 exits from the
internal channel 356 through a second channel opening 362 formed in
the second end 352 of the MIC body 310.
Referring to FIG. 5, the internal channel 356 passes through an
interior chamber 366 defined in the insert 336 of the MIC body 310.
The injection port 116 has an outer sidewall 368 formed in the
insulation portion 334 of the MIC body 310 at a location between
the first and second ends 350 and 352. Along its base, the outer
sidewall 368 is surrounded by the outer insulation shield 332. The
injection port 116 is in fluid communication with the interior
chamber 366. The injection port 116 has an outer opening 370
connected to an inner opening 372 by a tapered channel 376. An
outer portion of the tapered channel 376 is defined by the outer
sidewall 368, and an innermost portion of the tapered channel 376
is defined by the insert 336. The tapered channel 376 narrows
toward the inner opening 372, which opens into the interior chamber
366. In the embodiment illustrated, the tapered channel 376 stops
narrowing at or near the interface between the insulation portion
334 and the insert 336. Referring to FIG. 3, the interior chamber
366 is configured to house the VIA assembly 320 with the VIA
assembly 320 positioned adjacent the inner opening 372 (see FIG. 5)
of the injection port 116.
Referring to FIG. 5, optionally, at least one projection 378 may be
positioned between the injection port 116 and the first end 350.
The projection 378 extends inwardly into the interior chamber 366
and is configured to engage the VIA assembly 320 (see FIG. 3) and
help maintain the VIA assembly 320 in a desired longitudinal
position within the MIC body 310.
Optionally, at least one recess 379 may be positioned between the
injection port 116 and the first end 350. The recess 379 extends
outwardly away from the interior chamber 366. In the embodiment
illustrated, the optional recess 379 is immediately adjacent the
optional projection 378. The optional recess 379 is configured to
engage the subassembly 330 (see FIG. 3) and help maintain the
subassembly 330 in a desired longitudinal position within the MIC
body 310.
In the embodiment illustrated, the tapered channel 376 is
substantially orthogonal to the internal channel 356 (which extends
along the MIC axis 340). The MIC body 310 may be rotated about the
MIC axis 340 when the subassembly 330 (see FIG. 7) is positioned
inside the internal channel 356 to position the injection port 116
for convenient access and avoid interference with other structures
(e.g., a switching cabinet, a transformer, other devices in a
switching cabinet, and the like). Thus, clearance problems
experienced with prior art elbow injection adaptors may be avoided.
Additionally, the stack height may be reduced by angling the
injection port 116 away from the elbow bushing 256, which is
perpendicular to the cabinet door. Referring to FIG. 1A, although
the injection port 116 of the MIC 100 is illustrated as being
oriented in the same plane as the second branch 250 (and the
contact probe 236) of the cable accessory 112, the injection port
116 (and hence the MIC body 310) could be rotated (or radially
displaced) about the MIC axis 340 (see FIG. 5) by up to 180 degrees
to allow a better fit within a confined interior space (e.g.,
within a switching cabinet or other structure).
Referring to FIG. 18, the MIC body 310' may be constructed using
any methods and materials suitable for constructing the MIC body
310 (see FIGS. 1A, 3, 5-6B, 13, 21, 23A, 24A, and 24B). Like the
MIC body 310, the MIC body 310' includes a semi-conductive outer
insulation shield 332', an insulation portion 334', and a
semi-conductive layer or insert 336'. The outer insulation shield
332' may be connected to ground (e.g., by a ground wire) and act as
a ground plane. The MIC body 310' has a first end 350' opposite a
second end (not shown) that are substantially identical to the
first and second ends 350 and 352, respectively, of the MIC body
310.
An open ended internal channel 356' extends through the MIC body
310' from the first end 350' to the second end (not shown). The
internal channel 356' is configured to house portions of the cable
110 and the MIC conductor 318. The internal channel 356' passes
through an interior chamber 366' defined in the insert 336' of the
MIC body 310'. The exposed end portion 224 of the cable conductor
202 is coupled to the MIC conductor 318 inside the interior chamber
366'. The cable 110 extends outwardly from the interior chamber
366' through the internal channel 356' in a first direction and the
MIC conductor 318 extends outwardly from the interior chamber 366'
through the internal channel 356' in a second direction that is
opposite the first direction.
The injection port 116 has an outer sidewall 368' formed in the
insulation portion 334' of the MIC body 310'. Along its base, the
outer sidewall 368' is surrounded by the outer insulation shield
332'. The injection port 116 is in fluid communication with the
interior chamber 366'. The injection port 116 has an outer opening
370' connected to an inner opening 372' by a tapered channel 376'.
An outer portion of the tapered channel 376' is defined by the
outer sidewall 368', and an innermost portion of the tapered
channel 376' is defined by the insert 336'. The tapered channel
376' narrows toward the inner opening 372', which opens into the
interior chamber 366'.
In the embodiment illustrated, the tapered channel 376' is
substantially orthogonal to the internal channel 356'. The MIC body
310' may be rotated about the cable axis 200 (see FIG. 2) to
position the injection port 116 in a desired location with respect
to other external structures (e.g., a switching cabinet, a
transformer, other devices in a switching cabinet, and the like)
when the cable 110 and the MIC conductor 318 are coupled together
inside the internal channel 356'.
The insert 336' seals against the MIC conductor 318, and the
insulation portion 334' seals against insulation layer 208 of the
cable 110. These seals prevent the treatment fluid 120 (see FIG.
1A) leaking out of the open ends of the internal channel 356'. An
optional exterior compression band or clamp 377 may be installed on
the MIC body 310' between the injection port 116 and the first end
350' to compress the MIC body 310' against the cable 110 and help
seal the insulation portion 334' against the insulation layer 208
of the cable 110.
Optional LPI
FIGS. 6A and 6B are enlarged partial cross-sections of the MIC 100
and omit the optional RFP plug 314 (see FIGS. 3 and 4). Referring
to FIG. 6A, the optional LPI 312 may be characterized as being an
inner body or a liner that lines (and optionally reinforces) the
tapered channel 376 of the injection port 116 and a portion 380 of
the interior chamber 366 (defined in the insert 336 of the MIC body
310) adjacent the inner opening 372 of the tapered channel 376. In
the embodiment illustrated, an exterior portion 400 of the LPI 312
extends outwardly beyond the tapered channel 376 through the outer
opening 370. The exterior portion 400 may include a lip or flange
402 configured to be positioned against and cover the outermost
portion of the injection port 116 adjacent the outer opening 370.
The exterior portion 400 may include one or more connectors 404A
and 404B spaced outwardly from the flange 402 and configured to be
removably coupled to the injection probe assembly 130 (see FIG. 1A)
or the cap 140 (see FIG. 1A). In the embodiment illustrated, the
connectors 404A and 404B have been implemented as a pair of
projections of a bayonet type connector.
The LPI 312 has an outer opening 410 formed in the exterior portion
400, and an inner opening 412 that opens into the interior chamber
366. A tapered first through channel 416 extends inwardly from the
outer opening 410 to the inner opening 412 within the portion of
the LPI 312 lining the injection port 116. By way of a non-limiting
example, the tapered first through channel 416 may taper along its
length at least 3 degrees or at least 15 degrees. By way of another
non-limiting example, the tapered first through channel 416 may
taper along its length by about 0.5 degrees to about 30 degrees. An
internal shoulder 418 may be formed in the LPI 312 near the inner
opening 412. Referring to FIG. 3, when present, the RFP plug 314
may be inserted into the first through channel 416 and may rest
upon the shoulder 418 (see FIGS. 6A and 6B). Referring to FIG. 6B,
a portion of the first through channel 416 between the shoulder 418
and the inner opening 412 may be too narrow to allow the RFP plug
314 (see FIGS. 3 and 4) to pass therethrough.
A second through channel 426 extends along the MIC axis 340 (see
FIG. 5) through the LPI 312 within the lined portion 380 of the
interior chamber 366. The second through channel 426 is configured
to house at least a portion of the VIA assembly 320. The second
through channel 426 may be substantially orthogonal to the first
through channel 416.
The LPI 312 may be characterized as having the first portion that
lines the injection port 116 and a second portion that lines the
lined portion 380 of the interior chamber 366. The first portion
includes the tapered first through channel 416 and the second
portion includes the second through channel 426. While in the
embodiment illustrated, the first and second portions are part of
the unitary LPI 312, in alternate embodiments, the first and second
portions may be separate components. Optionally, in such
embodiments, the first and second portions may be coupled together
to form a continuous LPI. Alternatively, the first and second
portions may be spaced apart and define a discontinuous LPI.
In the embodiment illustrated, the optional recess 379 (see FIG. 5)
formed in the MIC body 310 is positioned along an edge 428 of the
LPI 312 that is positioned between the injection port 116 and the
first end 350 of the MIC body 310. Alternatively, the optional
recess 379 may be omitted and the edge 428 may function as lip or
stop within the interior chamber 366 of the MIC body 310.
The LPI 312 is constructed from a material that limits or restricts
permeation of the treatment fluid 120 (see FIG. 1A) therethrough.
When present, the LPI 312 prevents the treatment fluid 120 (see
FIG. 1A) from quickly permeating into and through the material used
to construct the MIC body 310 or portions thereof. In other words,
the LPI 312 limits unrestricted permeation of the treatment fluid
120 into the MIC body 310. Because the treatment fluid 120 may
degrade the physical and/or electrical properties of the MIC body
310, the LPI 312 may help increase the useful life of the MIC 100
(or other cable accessory into which the LPI 312 has been
incorporated). The LPI 312 also reduces the amount of the treatment
fluid 120 that is lost or wasted by permeation of the treatment
fluid 120 into structures (e.g., the MIC body 310) outside the
cable 110, which assures that more of the treatment fluid 120 is
available to treat the cable 110.
The LPI 312 may provide an inherently better seal with respect to
the insulation layer 208 that helps keep the treatment fluid 120
confined so it cannot leak out between the MIC 100 and the cable
110. Similarly, the LPI 312 may help provide an inherently better
seal with respect to the cable accessory 112 (see FIG. 1A) that
helps keep the treatment fluid 120 confined so it cannot leak out
between the MIC 100 and the cable accessory 112. These fluid tight
seals allow the MIC 100 to be operated at higher pressures than
conventional injection components. For example, the LPI 312 may be
configured such that the MIC 100 is able to withstand injection
pressures of about 30 psi to about 1000 psi. By way of another
non-limiting example, the LPI 312 may be used to provide sustained
pressure rejuvenation ("SPR") processes, such as those described in
U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,611,748, 8,205,326, 8,656,586, and 7,976,747.
As mentioned above, the LPI 312 is constructed from a material that
limits or restricts permeation of the treatment fluid 120 (see FIG.
1A) therethrough. For example, the material may have a low
solubility (e.g., less than 5%, at 90.degree. C., less than 1%, at
90.degree. C., or less than 0.1%, at 90.degree. C.) in the
treatment fluid 120 and/or the material and the treatment fluid 120
may have a small diffusion coefficient (e.g., less than 10.sup.-7
cm.sup.2/s at 90.degree. C., less than 10.sup.-8 cm.sup.2/s at
90.degree. C., or less than 10.sup.-9 cm.sup.2/s at 90.degree. C.).
Low solubility, small diffusion coefficient, and the product of the
solubility and diffusion are determined relative to the same
properties in the material used to construct the MIC body 310
(e.g., EPDM rubber). For example, the material used to construct
the LPI 312 is less soluble (e.g., five times, 20 times, or 100
times less soluble) than the material used to construct the MIC
body 310 (e.g., EPDM rubber) and the material may have a smaller
diffusion coefficient with the treatment fluid 120 and therefore
slower diffusion (ten times, 100 times, or 1000 times slower
diffusion) than the material used to construct the MIC body 310
(e.g., EPDM rubber). For example, the treatment fluid 120 may
diffuse through the LPI 312 at a first rate that is slower than a
second rate at which the treatment fluid 120 diffuses through the
MIC body 310. The first rate may be slower than the second rate by
at least about 10 times, at least about 100 times, or at least
about 1000 times. By way of another non-limiting example, the MIC
body 310 may have a first solubility in the treatment fluid 120 and
the LPI 312 may have a second solubility in the treatment fluid
120. The first solubility may be at least about five times, at
least about 20 times, or at least about 100 times greater than the
second solubility.
Non-limiting examples of low permeability materials that may be
used to construct the LPI 312 include dense plastics such as nylon,
polyethylene, polypropylene, polyoxymethylene (also known as
acetal, polyacetal, and polyformaldehyde), polytetrafluoroethylene
("PTFE"), other fluoropolymers, and the like, which are chemically
compatible with the treatment fluid 120. The low permeability
material might also include an elastomer, such as Viton.RTM. or a
similar fluorinated elastomer. The LPI 312 may also be made of an
essentially non-permeable material, such as metal, glass, ceramic,
and the like. By way of another non-limiting example, the LPI 312
may be constructed from fiber glass filled (or reinforced)
nylon.
When the LPI 312 is constructed using one or more hard materials,
such as plastic, metal, glass, and the like, the LPI 312 can
withstand considerably greater hoop forces (e.g., than EPDM rubber)
and can be employed to make seals capable of sealing against higher
pressures (e.g., than EPDM rubber). By way of a non-limiting
example, the portion of the LPI 312 that lines the portion 380 of
the interior chamber 366 may be constructed from a first material
(e.g., metal) and the portion of the LPI 312 that lines the tapered
channel 376 of the injection port 116 may be constructed from a
different material.
While described as being integrated into the MIC 100, the LPI 312
may be included in (e.g., molded or inserted into) other types of
cable accessories with or without direct access ports or injection
ports. By way of non-limiting examples, the LPI 312 may be included
in a splice, a dead-break elbow, a load-break elbow, a
non-load-break elbow, a separable connector, a stress-control
termination, a live-front termination, and the like.
FIG. 19 is a view of a longitudinal cross-section of a splice
assembly 430 including an outer body 431, a LPI 432, an
electrically conductive connector 433, and optional seals 434A and
434B. The outer body 431 may be constructed using any materials
suitable for constructing the MIC body 310. By way of a
non-limiting example, the outer body 431 may be implemented using a
cold shrink sleeve (not shown). The outer body 431 has a
through-channel 435 that passes through an interior chamber
436.
The LPI 432 may be constructed using any materials suitable for
constructing the LPI 312. The LPI 432 lines the interior chamber
436. The optional seals 434A and 434B may be positioned inside
optional circumferential grooves G1 and G2 formed on an inwardly
facing wall of the LPI 432.
The splice assembly 430 is used to interconnect two cable sections
C1 and C2. Each of the cable sections C1 and C2 may be
substantially similar to the cable 110 (see FIG. 2) and may be
implemented using any type of cable suitable for implementing the
cable 110. The cable sections C1 and C2 include cable conductors
202A and 202B, respectively, each like the cable conductor 202 (see
FIG. 2). The cable sections C1 and C2 may each include one or more
layers, like the one or more of the layers 204 (see FIG. 2) of the
cable 110, that surround the cable conductors 202A and 202B. For
example, the cable conductors 202A and 202B may each be surrounded
by a conductor shield (not shown) like the conductor shield 206
(see FIG. 2). The conductor shields (not shown) of the cable
sections C1 and C2 may be surrounded by insulation layers 208A and
208B, respectively, each like the insulation layer 208 (see FIG.
2). The insulation layers 208A and 208B may be surrounded by
insulation shields 210A and 210B, respectively, each like the
insulation shield 210 (see FIG. 2). The insulation shields 210A and
210B may be surrounded by neutrals 212A and 212B, respectively,
each like the neutrals 212 (see FIG. 2). The neutrals 212A and 212B
may be surrounded by cable jackets 214A and 214B, respectively,
each like the cable jacket 214 (see FIG. 2).
The splice assembly 430 is assembled by first exposing ends E1 and
E2 of the cable conductors 202A and 202B, respectively. The
neutrals 212A and the cable jacket 214A are also stripped back to
expose an end portion PIS1 of the insulation shield 210A.
Similarly, the neutrals 212B and the cable jacket 214B are stripped
back to expose an end portion PIS2 of the insulation shield 2106.
The insulation shields 210A and 210B are stripped back to expose
portions PIL1 and PIL2, respectively, of the insulation layers 208A
and 208B, respectively.
A selected one of the cable sections C1 and C2 is inserted into the
through-channel 435 formed in the outer body 431. For ease of
illustration, the cable section C1 will be described as being
inserted into the through-channel 435. The outer body 431 is slid
along the cable section C1 away from the end E1 and spaced
longitudinally far enough away from the end E1 to allow the
electrically conductive connector 433 to be attached to the end E1.
Next, the exposed end E2 of the cable conductor 202B is also
coupled to the electrically conductive connector 433. The connector
433 may be implemented using a conventional compression type
connector or other connection means known in the art used to
connect two cable conductors together to form an electrical
connection therebetween.
After the exposed ends E1 and E2 have been coupled together by the
connector 433, the outer body 431 is slid along the cable section
C1 and over the connector 433, which is positioned inside the
interior chamber 436. The cable section C1 extends outwardly from
the interior chamber 436 through the through-channel 435 in a first
direction, and the cable section C2 extends outwardly from the
interior chamber 436 through the through-channel 435 in a second
direction that is opposite the first direction.
In embodiments that include the optional seals 434A and 434B, the
seals 434A and 434B are sandwiched between the LPI 432 and the
exposed portions PIL1 and PIL2, respectively, of the insulation
layers 208A and 208B, respectively. In this manner, the interior
chamber 436 may be sealed off from the outside environment. In
embodiments that omit the optional seals 434A and 434B, portions of
the outer body 431 adjacent the LPI 432 may press against the
exposed portions PIL1 and PIL2, respectively, of the insulation
layers 208A and 208B, and form seals therewith.
In embodiments in which the outer body 431 is implemented using a
shrink-to-fit sleeve (e.g. cold shrink sleeve or heat shrink
sleeve; not shown), the LPI 432 and the cold shrink sleeve (not
shown) are separate components. The cable section C1 is inserted
through both the LPI 432 and the cold shrink sleeve (not shown) and
the exposed end E1 of the cable section C1 is spaced longitudinally
far enough away from the LPI 432 and the cold shrink sleeve (not
shown) to allow the electrically conductive connector 433 to be
attached thereto. After the exposed ends E1 and E2 have been
coupled together by the connector 433, the LPI 432 is slid along
the cable section C1 and over the connector 433, which is
positioned inside the interior chamber 436. Then, the cold shrink
sleeve (not shown) is slid over and shrunk onto the LPI 432. The
cold shrink sleeve (not shown) extends outwardly from the LPI 432
and covers at least a portion of each of the exposed portions PIL1
and PIL2.
Like the MIC body 310 (see FIGS. 3 and 5), the outer body 431 has a
semi-conductive or high dielectric constant outer insulation shield
437, an insulation portion 438, and a semi-conductive or high
dielectric constant inner insulation shield 439. The outer
insulation shield 437 contacts and presses against the exposed
portions PIS1 and PIS2, respectively, of the insulation shields
210A and 210B. The inner insulation shield 439 lines the interior
chamber 436. In the embodiment illustrated, the LPI 432 is adjacent
and lines the inner insulation shield 439. The insulation portion
438 is between the outer and inner insulation shields 437 and
439.
When the treatment fluid 120 (see FIG. 1A) is injected into one of
the cable sections C1 and C2 (e.g., via the MIC 100 illustrated in
FIG. 1A), the treatment fluid 120 will flow into the interior
chamber 436. The LPI 432 prevents the treatment fluid 120 (see FIG.
1A) from quickly diffusing into and through the material used to
construct the outer body 431 or portions thereof. In other words,
the LPI 432 limits unrestricted permeation of the treatment fluid
120 into the outer body 431. Thus, the LPI 432 may help increase
the useful life of the splice assembly 430 and/or reduce the amount
of the treatment fluid 120 that is lost or wasted by permeation of
the treatment fluid 120 into structures outside the cable sections
C1 and C2. Further, because the LPI 432 may provide a better seal
with respect to the insulation layers 208A and 208B, higher
pressures (than those used with conventional injection components)
may be used to inject the treatment fluid 120 into the cable
sections C1 and C2. For example, the LPI 432 may be configured to
withstand injection pressures of about 30 psi to about 1000 psi. By
way of another non-limiting example, the SPR processes (discussed
above) may be applied to the splice assembly 430.
Optional RFP Plug
Referring to FIG. 1A, as mentioned above, an injection probe
assembly (e.g., the injection probe assembly 130) or other
injection device may be used to inject the treatment fluid 120 into
the injection port 116. However, when the injection of the
treatment fluid 120 is completed, the injection probe assembly or
other injection device is removed from the injection port 116. When
the cable 110 is energized, this exposes the energized cable
conductor 202 to the outside environment (via the unobstructed
injection port 116) during a time interval that extends from a time
at which the injection probe assembly (or other injection device)
is removed until a time at which an insulating permanent cap (e.g.,
the cap 140) is inserted into the injection port 116 to seal it.
Unfortunately, during this time interval, the voltage of the cable
conductor 202 may ionize air, water, or other materials in the
injection port 116 and a flashover (or arc flash) may occur between
the cable conductor 202 or the MIC conductor 318 and a ground plane
(e.g., the nearby outer insulation shield 332 of the MIC body 310,
the nearby outer insulation shield 332' of the MIC body 310', and
the like). Such an arc flash can damage the MIC 100 and/or other
components connected to or near the MIC 100 (e.g., a transformer or
other equipment in the immediate area) and presents a thermal and
electrical danger for a human operator.
Referring to FIG. 3, the optional RFP plug 314 may be used to at
least partially dielectrically block the injection port 116 and
prevent the cable conductor 202 from being exposed to the outside
environment (e.g., via the tapered channel 376' of the MIC body
310' or the first through channel 416 of the MIC body 310).
Referring to FIG. 3, in the embodiment illustrated, the RFP plug
314 has a generally cylindrical or frustoconical outer shape with
circular cross-sectional shape that fits snuggly within the tapered
channel 376' (see FIG. 18) in embodiments omitting the LPI 312 or
within the first through channel 416 in embodiments that include
the LPI 312.
Referring to FIG. 4, the RFP plug 314 includes a reticulated
portion 450 that may be adjacent an optional non-reticulated rigid
layer 452 (e.g., a washer or similar structure). The reticulated
portion 450 is soft and compliant enough to allow an injection
probe (e.g., the injection probe pin 136 illustrated in FIG. 1A) or
a similar structure to pass therethrough when an injection probe
assembly (e.g., the injection probe assembly 130) or other
injection device is used to inject the treatment fluid 120 (see
FIG. 1A) into the cable 110. The injection probe may form a
through-hole in the reticulated portion 450 as it passes through.
However, this through-hole is essentially self-sealing because the
reticulated portion 450 will close up enough after the injection
probe is withdrawn to create a fluid-dielectric seal within the
injection port 116.
The optional rigid layer 452 fixes the position of the RFP plug 314
within the tapered channel 376' (see FIG. 18) in embodiments
omitting the LPI 312 or within the first through channel 416 in
embodiments that include the LPI 312. The rigid layer 452 includes
a through-channel 440 that allows an injection probe (e.g., the
injection probe pin 136 illustrated in FIG. 1A) or a similar
structure to pass therethrough when an injection probe assembly
(e.g., the injection probe assembly 130) or other injection device
is used to inject the treatment fluid 120 (see FIG. 1A) into the
cable 110.
Referring to FIG. 18, in embodiments of the MIC 100 that omit the
LPI 312, the optional RFP plug 314 may be positioned inside the
tapered channel 376' of the injection port 116. The RFP plug 314
has an outer shape configured to conform to the shape of a portion
of the tapered channel 376' adjacent the inner opening 372'. The
rigid layer 452 fits snuggly within that portion of the tapered
channel 376' to anchor the RFP plug 314. This prevents the RFP plug
314 from passing into the interior chamber 366' of the MIC body
310' and from being pushed out of the tapered channel 376' by fluid
exiting the cable 110.
By way of another example, referring to FIG. 3, in embodiments of
the MIC 100 that include the LPI 312, the optional RFP plug 314 may
be inserted into the first through channel 416 and may rest upon
the shoulder 418 (see FIGS. 6A and 6B). The RFP plug 314 has an
outer shape configured to conform to the shape of a portion of the
first through channel 416 adjacent the shoulder 418 and fit snuggly
within that portion of the first through channel 416. The narrower
portion of the first through channel 416 between the shoulder 418
and the inner opening 412 prevents the RFP plug 314 from passing
into the second through channel 426 formed in the LPI 312. The snug
fit between the rigid layer 452 and the LPI 312 prevents the RFP
plug 314 from being pushed out of the first through channel 416 by
fluid exiting the cable 110.
Referring to FIG. 3, when inserted into the tapered channel 376'
(see FIG. 18) or the first through channel 416, the optional rigid
layer 452 (see FIG. 4) is oriented to face toward the cable
conductor 202. In embodiments including the LPI 312, the optional
rigid layer 452 (see FIG. 4) may rest upon the shoulder 418 (see
FIGS. 6A and 6B).
Referring to FIG. 3, the reticulated portion 450 (see FIG. 4) of
the RFP plug 314 may be configured to be compressed radially by the
channel (the tapered channel 376' depicted in FIG. 18 or the first
through channel 416) into which the RFP plug 314 is to be inserted.
This radial compression helps assure that the treatment fluid 120
in the reticulated portion 450 of the RFP plug 314 is in full
contact with the walls of the channel (the tapered channel 376'
depicted in FIG. 18 or the first through channel 416) into which
the RFP plug 314 is inserted to thereby dielectrically close the
injection port 116.
Referring to FIG. 3, the RFP plug 314 is configured to allow
insertion of the stem portion 142 (see FIG. 1A) of the cap 140 (or
other permanent cap) into the tapered channel 376' (see FIG. 18) in
embodiments omitting the LPI 312 or the first through channel 416
in embodiments that include the LPI 312 after the treatment fluid
120 has been introduced. The stem portion 142 may displace and/or
compress the RFP plug 314 inside the channel (the tapered channel
376' depicted in FIG. 18 or the first through channel 416) into
which the RFP plug 314 has been inserted. For example, referring to
FIG. 30, in embodiments that include the LPI 312 and the rigid
layer 452 (see FIG. 4), the reticulated portion 450 (see FIG. 4)
may compress against the rigid layer 452 (which is pressed against
the shoulder 418) to allow the stem portion 142 of the cap 140 (or
other permanent cap) to be received fully into the first through
channel 416.
The RFP plug 314 may be constructed in accordance with any of the
methods described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,475,194, filed on Oct. 8,
2010, titled Reticulated Flash Prevention Plug, which is
incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. For example, the
reticulated portion 450 of the RFP plug 314 may be fabricated or
punched from a reticulated material having good dielectric strength
and resistivity. The term "reticulated" is defined as a grid-like,
porous structure which blocks the passage of items larger than its
characteristic pore size, while letting smaller items and fluids
pass therethrough. Non-limiting examples of suitable reticulated
materials include organic sponge materials, synthetic sponge
materials, cotton, woven or non-woven textiles, plastic or
elastomeric open-celled foams, felt, fiber glass, sintered glass,
or sintered ceramic or a solid material modified to allow fluid
passage. The reticulated portion 450 of the RFP plug 314 may be
formed from a compressible material with a density of less than 2.5
pounds per cubic foot, a 50% compression set of less than 15%, and
a 25% compression force deflection less than 0.5 psi, as would be
typical of a polyurethane open-celled foam that has been processed
to create a reticulated structure. The rigid layer 452 of the RFP
plug 314 may be fabricated from a stiff insulating material, such
as epoxy, vulcanized fiber, fiberglass, a phenolic resin, ceramic,
an engineering plastic, or the like, or it may be metallic.
Mic Conductor
Referring to FIG. 3, the MIC conductor 318 has a compression
connector 502 connected to an elongated portion 504. The second end
portion 302 of the MIC 100 includes the elongated portion 504 of
the MIC conductor 318 and the second end 352 of the MIC body 310.
The second end portion 302 of the MIC 100 may simulate the cable
conductor 202 and one or more of the layers 204 (see FIG. 2) of the
cable 110 surrounding the cable conductor 202. The elongated
portion 504 may be characterized as simulating the cable conductor
202. The insulation portion 334 at the second end 352 of the MIC
body 310 may be characterized as simulating the insulation layer
208 of the cable 110. The insert 336 at the second end 352 of the
MIC body 310 may be characterized as simulating the conductor
shield 206 (see FIG. 2) of the cable 110.
Because the second end portion 302 of the MIC 100 may simulate the
cable conductor 202 and one or more of the layers 204 (see FIG. 2)
surrounding the cable conductor 202, the second end portion 302 of
the MIC 100 may be connected to any cable accessories configured to
be connected to the cable 110. The second end portion 302 of the
MIC 100 may either be sized specifically for use with the cable
accessory 112 (see FIG. 1A) or configurable for use with different
cable accessories (e.g., by adjusting the length of the elongated
portion 504 of the MIC conductor 318, the insulation portion 334 at
the second end 352 of the MIC body 310, and/or the insert 336 at
the second end 352 of the MIC body 310). Further, the size and
shape of the outer insulation shield 332 adjacent the second end
352 of the MIC body 310 may be adjusted for use with other cable
accessories. The MIC conductor 318 may be rigid or flexible and may
help make up cable length lost during a retrofit.
Referring to FIG. 1A, the MIC conductor 318 may be characterized as
providing an integral component interface with the cable accessory
112. Such an integral component interface may be more reliable than
connecting the MIC 100 to the cable accessory 112 with a section of
cable or cable stub (not shown). Further, the MIC conductor 318
does not require preparation. Thus, an amount of time required to
prepare and assemble an interface with the cable accessory 112 is
reduced or eliminated completely.
Additionally, the MIC conductor 318 reduces by several inches the
total length of a subassembly that includes both the MIC 100 and
the cable accessory 112 when compared to a subassembly that uses a
stub (instead of the MIC conductor 318) to connect the MIC 100 and
the cable accessory 112 together. This space savings may be
significant because many transformers, junction boxes, splice
boxes, and the like in which the MIC 100 might be installed have
limited room for injection equipment (which was not contemplated
when the enclosure was designed and installed). In other words, the
MIC 100 may be installed and used (e.g., for injection or direct
voltage measurements) in locations not designed to accommodate such
operations.
Referring to FIG. 8, in the embodiment illustrated, the compression
connector 502 is connected to the elongated portion 504 by a
tapered portion 506. The compression connector 502 has an opening
510 into a longitudinally extending channel 512 configured to
receive therein and house an end most portion of the exposed end
portion 224 (see FIGS. 6A and 6B) of the cable conductor 202 (see
FIGS. 6A and 6B). Referring to FIG. 6A, the compression connector
502 is configured to be placed over the exposed end portion 224 of
the cable conductor 202 (when the cable conductor 202 is inside the
VIA assembly 320) and compressed or swaged within the VIA assembly
320 to thereby connect the cable conductor 202 with both the VIA
assembly 320 and the elongated portion 504. By way of a
non-limiting example, the compression connector 502 may be
implemented as an electrically conductive hollow cylinder, a
bimetal copper extension, a conductive rod (e.g., constructed from
aluminum, copper, another electrically conductive metal, and the
like) configured to be connected (e.g., crimped, swaged, fused,
welded, or attached using other methods known in the art) to the
exposed end portion 224 (see FIGS. 6A and 6B) of the cable
conductor 202 (see FIGS. 6A and 6B), and the like.
Referring to FIG. 8, the elongated portion 504 may be implemented
as an elongated electrically conductive rod that has a generally
circular cross-sectional shape with an outer diameter 514 that is
substantially similar the outer diameter 226 (see FIG. 2) of the
cable conductor 202. Referring to FIG. 1A, the elongated portion
504 has a free end 516 (see FIG. 8) configured to mate with the
fitting 230 of the cable accessory 112 and form an electrical
connection therewith.
Optional Via Assembly
The optional VIA assembly 320 is configured for use with the LPI
312 and may be omitted from embodiments (such as the embodiment
illustrated in FIG. 18) that do not include the LPI 312. Referring
to FIG. 7, which depicts the subassembly 330 that includes the VIA
assembly 320, the cable 110, and the MIC conductor 318. The VIA
assembly 320 includes a VIA body 550, VIA seals 552A and 552B, and
a valve assembly 554, but not the cable 110 and the MIC conductor
318.
Referring to FIG. 9, the VIA body 550 may be fabricated from a
malleable material, such as metal (e.g., aluminum or stainless
steel). The VIA body 550 has a first end 560 opposite a second end
562. Each of the first and second ends 560 and 562 may be
implemented as a hollow cylinder or compression connector. FIGS. 9
and 10 depict the first and second ends 560 and 562 before they
have been swaged. In contrast, FIG. 7 depicts the first and second
ends 560 and 562 after they have been swaged.
Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, the VIA body 550 has an open ended
internal channel 570 that extends from its first opening 572 at the
first end 560 to its second opening 574 at the second end 562 of
the VIA body 550. Referring to FIG. 10, at the first end 560, the
VIA body 550 has one or more first gripping projections 576 that
extend into the internal channel 570. Similarly, at the second end
562, the VIA body 550 has one or more second gripping projections
578 that extend into the internal channel 570. The first gripping
projections 576 are configured to allow an end most portion of the
exposed end portion 223 (see FIGS. 6A and 6B) of the insulation
layer 208 (see FIGS. 6A and 6B) to be inserted through the first
opening 572 and into the internal channel 570. The second gripping
projections 578 are configured to allow the compression connector
502 (see FIGS. 6A and 6B) to be inserted through the second opening
574, into the internal channel 570, and onto the end most portion
of the exposed end portion 224 (see FIGS. 6A and 6B) of the cable
conductor 202 (see FIGS. 6A and 6B).
Referring to FIG. 7, the first end 560 may be swaged onto the
exposed end portion 223 of the insulation layer 208 of the cable
110, which closes and seals the internal channel 570 (see FIGS. 9
and 10) at the first end 560 of the VIA body 550. Swaging presses
the first gripping projections 576 (see FIG. 10) into the
insulation layer 208 and forms a compression connection
therebetween.
The second end 562 may be swaged onto the compression connector 502
of the MIC conductor 318, which closes and seals the internal
channel 570 (see FIGS. 9 and 10) at the second end 562 of the VIA
body 550. Swaging presses the second gripping projections 578 (see
FIG. 10) into the compression connector 502 and forms a compression
connection therebetween. As shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the swaging
also presses the compression connector 502 into the exposed end
portion 224 of the cable conductor 202.
Referring to FIG. 7, the swaging at the first and second ends 560
and 562 provides fluid-tight circumferential seals at opposite ends
of the internal channel 570 (see FIGS. 9 and 10) and defines a
sealed interior chamber 580 (see FIGS. 6A and 6B) therebetween
within the internal channel 570. As shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B,
within the subassembly 330 (see FIG. 7), the cable conductor 202
extends through the interior chamber 580. The swaging at the first
and second ends 560 and 562 may be configured to withstand
injection pressures of about 30 psi to about 1000 psi.
Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, optionally, a first groove 584 is
formed in the VIA body 550 near the first end 560. The optional
first groove 584 is configured to receive the optional projection
378 (see FIG. 5) of the MIC body 310 (see FIG. 5). Referring to
FIG. 6B, engagement between the optional projection 378 (see FIG.
5) and the optional first groove 584 (see FIG. 9) helps maintain
the VIA assembly 320 in a desired longitudinal position within the
MIC body 310.
Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, optionally, the VIA body 550 may
include at least one projection 586 configured to be received
inside the optional recess(es) 379 (see FIG. 5) formed in the MIC
body 310 (see FIG. 5) within the interior chamber 366 (see FIG. 5).
In the embodiment illustrated, the optional projection 586 is
positioned adjacent the optional first groove 584 with the first
groove 584 being flanked by the projection 586 and the first end
560. Referring to FIG. 6B, engagement between the optional
projection(s) 586 (see FIG. 9) and the optional recess(es) 379 (see
FIG. 5) helps maintain the VIA assembly 320 in the desired
longitudinal position within the MIC body 310. The VIA body 550 may
stop sliding along the MIC axis 340 and with respect to the MIC
body 310 when the optional projection(s) 586 of the VIA body 550
abuts the edge 428 of the LPI 312. This positively locates the VIA
body 550 axially within the LPI 312.
Referring to FIG. 6B, a second groove 590 is formed in the VIA body
550 and positioned to be adjacent the injection port 116 when the
VIA assembly 320 is in the desired longitudinal position within the
MIC body 310. The second groove 590 may be generally cylindrically
shaped and have a curved outer surface. Thus, along the second
groove 590, the VIA body 550 may have a generally circular
cross-sectional shape.
Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, a first seal groove 592A is spaced
longitudinally from the second groove 590 toward the first end 560,
and a second seal groove 592B is spaced longitudinally from the
second groove 590 toward the second end 562. The first and second
seal grooves 592A and 592B are configured to receive the VIA seals
552A and 552B (see FIG. 7), respectively. In the embodiment
illustrated in FIG. 7, the VIA seals 552A and 552B may be
implemented as O-rings constructed from an elastomeric
material.
Referring to FIG. 6B, the VIA seals 552A and 552B are compressed
between the VIA body 550 and the LPI 312. In this manner, the VIA
seals 552A and 552B seal off a fluid chamber 600 within the second
through channel 426. The second groove 590 (which is positioned
longitudinally between the first and second seal grooves 592A and
592B shown in FIGS. 9 and 10) is within the fluid chamber 600 and
the inner opening 412 of the channel 416 (within the injection port
116) opens into the fluid chamber 600. Thus, the treatment fluid
120 (see FIG. 1A) injected through the injection port 116 may be
confined within the fluid chamber 600 by the VIA seals 552A and
552B and the LPI 312.
When interfacing with the LPI 312, the VIA seals 552A and 552B may
be configured to withstand injection pressures of about 30 psi to
about 1000 psi. The VIA seals 552A and 552B may be implemented as
O-ring seals, D-ring seals, and the like.
Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, an aperture or a through-hole 610 is
formed in the VIA body 550 within the second groove 590. Referring
to FIG. 6B, the through-hole 610 interconnects the fluid chamber
600 with the sealed interior chamber 580 within the VIA body 550.
The VIA seals 552A and 552B seal off or isolate the fluid chamber
600 by forming circumferential seals between the VIA assembly 320
and the LPI 312 or the MIC body 310. The injection port 116 is in
fluid communication with the isolated fluid chamber 600. Thus,
there is fluidic communication or a fluid pathway between the
injection port 116, the fluid chamber 600, the sealed interior
chamber 580 within the VIA body 550, and the interior 122 of the
cable 110. The treatment fluid 120 (see FIG. 1A) can readily flow
in either direction between the interior 122 of the cable 110 and
the injection port 116.
Referring to FIG. 10, the through-hole 610 has an inner portion 612
adjacent an outer portion 614. Inside threads 616 (see FIG. 11A)
are formed in the VIA body 550 along the inner portion 612 of the
through-hole 610. The outer portion 614 is wider (e.g., has a
larger diameter) than the inner portion 612. A stop wall or shelf
620 is defined at the border between the inner and outer portions
612 and 614.
Referring to FIG. 9, in the embodiment illustrated, a portion of
the VIA body 550 surrounding the through-hole 610 has been removed
to provide a substantially planar outer surface 624 surrounding the
through-hole 610. However, this is not a requirement. In the
embodiment illustrated, the substantially planar outer surface 624
extends the entire width of the second groove 590 (along the MIC
axis 340 shown in FIG. 5).
Referring to FIG. 6B, the through-hole 610 is configured to receive
at least a portion of the valve assembly 554, which restricts the
flow of the treatment fluid 120 (see FIG. 1A) between the fluid
chamber 600 and the sealed interior chamber 580 within the VIA body
550.
Valve Assembly
Referring to FIG. 11A, the valve assembly 554 includes a valve
cartridge 630, a biasing member 632 (e.g., a C-spring), and an
optional clip 634. As will be explained below, after the valve
cartridge 630 is installed in the through-hole 610 formed in the
VIA body 550, the biasing member 632 is attached to the poppet
member 646 (e.g., by the optional clip 634). Referring to FIG. 7,
the biasing member 632 is positioned within the second groove 590
formed in the VIA body 550.
Referring to FIG. 14, the valve cartridge 630 includes an external
valve seal 636, a filter 638, and a poppet valve 640 (see FIGS.
12A-13) formed by a valve body 642, an internal valve seal 644, and
a movable poppet member 646. Referring to FIG. 12A, the poppet
valve 640 is closed when the poppet member 646 is pushed outwardly
(e.g., by the biasing member 632 and any outwardly directed force
created by internal fluid pressure) and the internal valve seal 644
is captured between the poppet member 646 and the inside of the
valve body 642. Referring to FIG. 12B, the poppet valve 640 is open
when the poppet member 646 is pushed inwardly (e.g., by an
injection probe pin 652 illustrated in FIG. 13) and the internal
valve seal 644 is spaced apart from the inside of the valve body
642.
Referring to FIG. 13, the poppet valve 640 may be opened by
inserting the injection probe pin 652 into and through the
injection port 116 and pressing upon either the poppet member 646
or the biasing member 632. The poppet valve 640 may be closed by
removing the injection probe pin 652 and allowing the biasing
member 632 (and any outwardly directed force created by internal
fluid pressure) to bias the poppet member 646 outwardly and into a
closed position (shown in FIG. 12A). When the poppet valve 640 is
closed, any of the treatment fluid 120 (see FIG. 1A) inside the
sealed interior chamber 580 in the VIA body 550 is trapped
therein.
The injection probe pin 652 may be implemented as any injection
probe configured to inject the injection fluid 120 (see FIG. 1A)
into the injection port 116. By way of a non-limiting example, the
injection probe pin 652 may be implemented as the injection probe
pin 136 illustrated in FIG. 1A.
Valve Body
Referring to FIGS. 14 and 15, the valve body 642 has an outer
portion 670 opposite an inner portion 672. Referring to FIGS. 12A
and 12B, the inner portion 672 is configured to be positioned
inside the inner portion 612 of the through-hole 610 formed in the
VIA body 550. In the embodiment illustrated, the inner portion 672
has outside threads 674 configured to threadedly engage with the
inside threads 616 of the through-hole 610.
Referring to FIGS. 14 and 15, the outer portion 670 has an
outwardly facing surface 680. Optionally, an outwardly projecting
hex-shaped protrusion 682 may extend outwardly from the surface
680. The protrusion 682 may be used to grip the valve body 642 and
apply torque to the valve body 642 to thread the valve body 642
into the through-hole 610 (see FIGS. 9-12B) during installation
and/or removal of the valve cartridge 630 (see FIGS. 11A, 12A, 12B
and 14).
The surface 680 may extend along an overhang portion 688 configured
to be at least partially received inside the outer portion 614 (see
FIGS. 12A and 12B) of the through-hole 610. Referring to FIGS. 12A
and 12B, the external valve seal 636 (e.g., an O-ring) is
positioned on the valve body 642 between the overhang portion 688
and the outside threads 674. When the valve cartridge 630 is
installed in the through-hole 610, the external valve seal 636 is
positioned between the overhang portion 688 and the shelf 620 to
form a fluid tight seal therebetween.
Referring to FIG. 15, the valve body 642 has an interior through
channel 690 defined by an outer sidewall 692. The channel 690 has
an outer opening 694 formed in the outer portion 670, and an inner
opening 696 formed in the inner portion 672 of the valve body 642.
In the embodiment illustrated, the channel 690, the outer opening
694, and the inner opening 696 each have a generally circular
cross-sectional shape.
Optionally, the inner opening 696 may be defined by an inwardly
extending deformable lip 698 that extends away from the outside
threads 674 and into the sealed interior chamber 580 (see FIGS. 6A,
6B, and 12A-13) in the VIA body 550 when the valve cartridge 630 is
installed in the through-hole 610. The lip 698 is illustrated in
FIG. 15 before being deformed. In contrast, FIGS. 12A and 12B
depict the lip 698 after it has been deformed. As shown in FIGS.
12A and 12B, the lip 698 may be deformed into the channel 690 to
trap the filter 638 therein.
Referring to FIG. 15, a filter stop 700 is formed in the sidewall
692 inside the channel 690. The filter stop 700 is spaced outwardly
from the inner opening 696. The filter 638 (see FIGS. 12A, 12B, and
14) may be inserted into the channel 690 through the inner opening
696 and pressed against the filter stop 700 by deforming the lip
698 (As shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B) into the channel 690 to thereby
trap the filter 638 between the inwardly bent lip 698 and the
filter stop 700.
A valve stop 702 is formed in the sidewall 692 inside the channel
690. The valve stop 702 is spaced outwardly from the filter stop
700. A tapered portion 706 is formed in the sidewall 692 between
the valve stop 702 and the outer opening 694. In the embodiment
illustrated, the tapered portion 706 is spaced outwardly from the
valve stop 702. The tapered portion 706 is adjacent to an outer
channel portion 710 that extends between the tapered portion 706
and the outer opening 694. In the embodiment illustrated, the outer
channel portion 710 is narrower than an inner channel portion 712
that extends from the valve stop 702 to the filter stop 700.
Poppet Member
Referring to FIG. 16, the poppet member 646 has a stem portion 730
that extends outwardly from an inner stop portion 732. The stem
portion 730 includes an outer overhanging stop portion 740, an
outer recessed portion 742, an intermediate portion 744, and an
inner recessed portion 746. The outer recessed portion 742 is
flanked by the outer overhanging stop portion 740 and the
intermediate portion 744. Referring to FIG. 11A, the optional clip
634 is configured to be clipped onto the outer recessed portion
742. Returning to FIG. 16, the outer overhanging stop portion 740
includes an inwardly facing stop wall 750 that is adjacent the
outer recessed portion 742. The inwardly facing stop wall 750
retains the optional clip 634 (see FIGS. 7, 11A, 12A, and 12B)
within the outer recessed portion 742. The intermediate portion 744
includes an outwardly facing stop wall 752 that is adjacent the
outer recessed portion 742 and faces the inwardly facing stop wall
750 across the outer recessed portion 742.
The inner recessed portion 746 is configured to receive at least a
portion of the internal valve seal 644 (see FIGS. 12A, 12B, and 14)
and retain the internal valve seal 644 between the intermediate
portion 744 and the inner stop portion 732. The inner recessed
portion 746 has an outwardly facing tapered portion 754 positioned
alongside and inwardly of the internal valve seal 644. As may be
viewed in FIGS. 12A and 12B, the internal valve seal 644 extends
laterally outwardly beyond the intermediate portion 744 (see FIG.
16). In the embodiment illustrated, the inner stop portion 732
extends laterally outwardly beyond the internal valve seal 644.
The inner stop portion 732 and at least a portion of the stem
portion 730 (see FIG. 16) are positioned inside the channel 690 of
the valve body 642. In the embodiment illustrated, the inner stop
portion 732, the inner recessed portion 746 (with the internal
valve seal 644 received therein), and the intermediate portion 744
are positioned inside the channel 690 of valve body 642. The
intermediate portion 744 is positioned inside the outer channel
portion 710 (see FIG. 15) of the channel 690 and moves therein.
Returning to FIG. 15, the inner stop portion 732 (see FIGS. 12A and
12B) is positioned inside the inner channel portion 712 of the
channel 690 and moves therein between the valve stop 702 and the
filter 638 (see FIGS. 12A and 12B).
The poppet member 646 moves within the channel 690 between a closed
position (see FIG. 12A) and an open position (see FIGS. 12B and
13). The poppet valve 640 is closed (see FIG. 12A) when the poppet
member 646 is in the closed position. On the other hand, the poppet
valve 640 is open (see FIGS. 12B and 13) when the poppet member 646
is moved inwardly from the closed position allowing the treatment
fluid 120 (see FIG. 1A) to flow through the poppet valve 640.
Referring to FIG. 12A, when the poppet member 646 is in the closed
position, the inner stop portion 732 abuts the valve stop 702 (see
FIG. 15). This causes the outwardly facing tapered portion 754 to
press the internal valve seal 644 (e.g., an O-ring) against the
tapered portion 706 (see FIG. 15) of the sidewall 692 (see FIG. 15)
and form a fluid tight seal therewith, which prevents the flow of
the treatment fluid 120 (see FIG. 1A) through the channel 690 of
the valve body 642. The arrangement of the tapered portions 754 and
706 prevents normally occurring flash (which is material left on a
part from a molding process) on the internal valve seal 644 from
interfering with the sealing action occurring within the poppet
valve 640. Furthermore by utilizing a tapered interface, the
internal valve seal 644 is captured and is not displaced by fluid
flow (characteristic of a radial seal) through the poppet valve
640. Additionally, the poppet member 646 need only travel a short
distance with respect to the valve body 642 to separate the
internal valve seal 644 from the sealing surface (characteristic of
a face seal) of the tapered portion 706 (see FIG. 15). Any gap
defined between the outer channel portion 710 (see FIG. 15) and the
poppet member 646 is too small for the internal valve seal 644 to
pass through. Similarly, any gap defined between the inner stop
portion 732 and the valve stop 702 (see FIG. 15) is also too small
for the internal valve seal 644 to pass through. Thus, the internal
valve seal 644 is trapped between the tapered portion 706 (see FIG.
15) and the tapered portion 754 (see FIG. 16) of the poppet member
646 and forms a fluid tight seal therebetween.
On the other hand, referring to FIG. 12B, the poppet valve 640 is
open when the inner stop portion 732 is spaced inwardly from the
valve stop 702 (see FIG. 15), which spaces the internal valve seal
644 inwardly apart from the tapered portion 706 of the sidewall
692. This allows the treatment fluid 120 to flow through the
channel 690 of valve body 642. Further inward movement of the
poppet member 646 may terminate when the inner stop portion 732
contacts the filter 638 or the biasing member 632 contacts the
outer portion 670 of valve body 642.
The channel 690 of the valve body 642 allows the treatment fluid
120 to flow therethrough (and into the interior chamber 580 of the
VIA body 550) at between about 30 psi and about 1000 psi when the
poppet valve 640 is open (or the poppet member 646 is in the open
position). Similarly, the poppet valve 640 is configured to hold an
internal pressure (e.g., between about 30 psi and about 1000 psi)
inside the interior chamber 580 of the VIA body 550 when the poppet
valve 640 is closed (or the poppet member 646 is in the closed
position).
In some embodiments, the poppet member 646 may self-align within
the valve body 642 as the poppet member 646 moves from the open
position to the closed position. In other words, the poppet valve
640 may be self-aligning with self-centering seals.
Referring to FIGS. 16 and 17, at least an outer-most portion of the
intermediate portion 744 has a cross-sectional shape that differs
from the cross-sectional shape of the outer channel portion 710
(see FIG. 15) of the channel 690 and allows the treatment fluid 120
(see FIG. 1A) to flow through the channel 690 between the
intermediate portion 744 and the valve body 642 (see FIG. 15). As
mentioned above, in the embodiment illustrated, the channel 690
(see FIG. 15) has a generally circular cross-sectional shape. In
the embodiment illustrated, the intermediate portion 744 also has a
generally circular cross-sectional shape but the intermediate
portion 744 includes one or more longitudinally extending flat
portions 760A-760D that each create a fluid passage 762 (see FIG.
12B) between the intermediate portion 744 and the valve body 642
when in the poppet valve 640 is open (as shown in FIG. 12B).
In the embodiment illustrated, the flat portions 760A-760D do not
extend the full length of the intermediate portion 744. Thus, the
intermediate portion 744 includes a stop portion 764 positioned
between the flat portions 760A-760D and the inner recessed portion
746. When the poppet valve 640 is closed (as shown in FIG. 12A),
the stop portion 764 is positioned inside the outer channel portion
710 (see FIG. 15) and at least partially blocks access to the fluid
passages 762 (see FIG. 12B). This prevents the internal valve seal
644 from traveling (or extruding) outwardly through the outer
channel portion 710 (between the intermediate portion 744 and the
valve body 642), which allows the poppet valve 640 to operate at
higher pressures. The stop portion 764 may be configured (e.g.,
have a sufficient width or diameter) such that as the poppet member
646 travels toward the closed position (see FIG. 12A) pressures
above and below the internal valve seal 644 are approximately equal
(that is--the seal is not yet acting to stop flow) before the flat
portions 760A-760D enter the outer channel portion 710.
At least an outer-most portion of the inner stop portion 732 has a
cross-sectional shape that differs from the cross-sectional shape
of the inner channel portion 712 (see FIG. 15) of the channel 690
and allows the treatment fluid 120 (see FIG. 1A) to flow through
the channel 690 between the inner stop portion 732 and the valve
body 642. As mentioned above, in the embodiment illustrated, the
channel 690 has a generally circular cross-sectional shape. In the
embodiment illustrated, the inner stop portion 732 also has a
generally circular cross-sectional shape but the inner stop portion
732 includes one or more longitudinally extending flat portions
770A-770D that each create a fluid passage 772 (see FIG. 12B)
between the inner stop portion 732 and the valve body 642 when in
the poppet valve 640 is open (as shown in FIG. 12B).
The generally circular cross-sectional shapes of the intermediate
portion 744 and the inner stop portion 732 act within the inner
diameters of the outer channel portion 710 and the inner channel
portion 712 to guide the poppet member 646 within the valve body
642.
Filter
Referring to FIG. 14, the filter 638 has an outer cross-sectional
shape that corresponds to the cross-sectional shape of an innermost
portion of the channel 690 (see FIG. 15) defined by the lip 698
(see FIG. 15). As mentioned above, in the embodiment illustrated,
the channel 690 has a generally circular cross-sectional shape.
Thus, in the embodiment illustrated, the filter 638 has a generally
circular cross-sectional shape. For example, the filter 638 may be
generally cylindrically shaped or disk shaped. By way of
non-limiting examples, the filter 638 may be a screen, a sintered
metal disk, or the like. The filter 638 may be constructed from any
suitable filtering medium known in the art.
Referring to FIGS. 12A and 12B, the filter 638 is positioned in the
end of the valve body 642 and retains the poppet member 646 within
the channel 690 during handling. Referring to FIG. 7, the filter
638 (see FIGS. 12A, 12B, and 14) may also help protect the valve
assembly 554 from contaminants that may flow out of the cable 110
(e.g., during the injection process). Referring to FIGS. 12A and
12B and as described above, the filter 638 may be held in place by
deforming the lip 698 (e.g., in one or more places, or
continuously) inwardly into the channel 690. Alternatively, the
filter 638 may be held in place by a retaining clip, interference
fit, welding, brazing, soldering, or other means known in the
art.
Optional Clip
Referring to FIG. 11A, the optional clip 634 is clipped to the
outer recessed portion 742 of the poppet member 646 after the valve
body 642 has been screwed into the through-hole 610 of the VIA body
550 and secures the poppet member 646 to the biasing member 632. In
the embodiment illustrated, the clip 634 is generally disk-shaped
and includes a cutout 780 that defines a generally E-shaped or
C-shaped body portion 782. The body portion 782 has a first curved
arm 784 that extends around the cutout 780 toward a second curved
arm 786. An opening 790 into the cutout 780 is formed between free
ends 794 and 796 of the arms 784 and 786, respectively. The opening
790 is configured to receive the outer recessed portion 742 of the
poppet member 646 laterally into the cutout 780. The arms 784 and
786 are sufficiently rigid to clip onto and grip the outer recessed
portion 742 when the outer recessed portion 742 is received fully
inside the cutout 780. By way of non-limiting examples, the clip
634 may be constructed from metal, plastic, ceramic, and the like.
Further, other shapes may be used to construct the clip 634.
Biasing Member
FIGS. 7, 11A, 12A-13, and 23A depict an embodiment of the biasing
member 632 configured for use with the optional clip 634. FIG. 11B
depicts an alternative biasing member 632' for use in embodiments
of the MIC 100 that omit the optional clip 634.
Referring to FIG. 11A, in the embodiment illustrated, the biasing
member 632 is implemented as a C-spring with a curved body 800. In
such embodiments, the C-spring creates a strong sealing force
without significantly increasing the size (e.g., outer diameter) of
the VIA assembly 320 laterally compared to other types of springs
(e.g., coil springs). Also, the C-spring provides a large target
area for the injection probe pin 652 (see FIG. 13), and remains
nearly perpendicular to the poppet member 646 when compressed by
the injection probe pin 652. Alternatively, the biasing member 632
may be implemented as a leaf spring (not shown).
By way of a non-limiting example, the body 800 may be implemented
as a curved metal band. The body 800 has a first end portion 802
opposite a second end portion 804 and an intermediate portion 806
between the first and second end portions 802 and 804. A
through-hole 810 is formed in the intermediate portion 806. The
through-hole 810 may be positioned about midway between the first
and second end portions 802 and 804. The intermediate portion 806
may include about two thirds of the length of the body 800, and
radially may include a portion within about 25 degrees to either
side of the center of the through-hole 810.
Referring to FIG. 7, when the VIA assembly 320 is fully assembled,
the biasing member 632 is positioned within the second groove 590
formed in the VIA body 550. At least a portion of the intermediate
portion 806 surrounding the through-hole 810 is spaced outwardly
from the VIA body 550. The first and second end portions 802 and
804 (see FIG. 11A) abut the VIA body 550 and slide therealong
circumferentially within the second groove 590. The second groove
590 shields the biasing member 632 when the VIA assembly 320 is
handled by the operator (e.g., when the operator inserts the
subassembly 330 into the MIC body 310).
The through-hole 810 is configured to allow the outer overhanging
stop portion 740 (see FIG. 16) of the poppet member 646 to pass
therethrough. In the embodiment illustrated, the through-hole 810
has an inner diameter that is larger than an outer diameter of the
outer overhanging stop portion 740 (see FIG. 16) of the poppet
member 646.
Referring to FIG. 11A, when the VIA assembly 320 (see FIGS. 3, and
7) is fully assembled, the stem portion 730 (see FIGS. 16 and 17)
of the poppet member 646 extends outwardly from the valve cartridge
630 and the outer recessed portion 742 is positioned within the
through-hole 810. The clip 634 is clipped to the outer recessed
portion 742 of the poppet member 646 between the outer overhanging
stop portion 740 (see FIG. 16) and the intermediate portion 806 of
the biasing member 632. The clip 634 is too large to pass through
the through-hole 810 and prevents the intermediate portion 806 of
the biasing member 632 from moving outwardly beyond the inwardly
facing stop wall 750 (see FIG. 16) to thereby removably tether the
biasing member 632 to the outer recessed portion 742 of the poppet
member 646. The intermediate portion 744 (see FIGS. 12A, 12B, 16,
and 17) of the poppet member 646 is too wide to pass through the
through-hole 810 and traps the intermediate portion 806 between the
outwardly facing stop wall 752 (see FIGS. 16 and 17) and the clip
634. Referring to FIG. 12A, the biasing member 632 bears against
the clip 634 and presses the clip 634 against the inwardly facing
stop wall 750 (see FIG. 16) to thereby bias the poppet member 646
outwardly and toward the closed position. In other words, the
biasing member 632 applies an outwardly directed biasing force to
the poppet member 646 that biases the poppet valve 640 closed.
In alternate embodiments (not shown), other retaining means may be
used to attach the poppet member 646 to the biasing member 632
(e.g., the biasing member 632) instead of the optional clip 634.
For example, the outer recessed portion 742 (see FIGS. 16 and 17)
of the poppet member 646 may be omitted and a through-hole (not
shown) formed in the stem portion 730 of the poppet member 646.
Then, after the stem portion 730 is positioned within the
through-hole 810 with the through-hole (not shown) spaced outwardly
from the biasing member 632, a pin (not shown) may be inserted into
the through-hole (not shown). The pin prevents the stem portion 730
of the poppet member 646 from traveling inwardly through the
through-hole 810. By way of another non-limiting example, the
outermost portion of the stem portion 730 could be deformed (e.g.,
flatten into a larger diameter) after passing through the
through-hole 810 such that the deformed portion can no longer pass
through the through-hole 810. By way of yet another non-limiting
example, a fastener (e.g., a large headed screw or nut) that will
not pass through the through-hole 810 could be fastened to (e.g.,
threaded onto) the outermost portion of the stem portion 730 after
the stem portion 730 is positioned within the through-hole 810.
As mentioned above, FIG. 11B depicts the biasing member 632' for
use in embodiments of the MIC 100 that omit the optional clip 634.
Referring to FIG. 11B, the biasing member 632' differs from the
biasing member 632 in only one respect, namely, the biasing member
632' includes a through-hole 810' instead of the through-hole 810.
Otherwise, the biasing member 632' is substantially identical to
and provides the same functionality as the biasing member 632. Like
the biasing member 632, the biasing member 632' bears against the
inwardly facing stop wall 750 (see FIG. 16) of the poppet member
646 to thereby bias the poppet member 646 outwardly and toward the
closed position. In other words, the biasing member 632' applies
the outwardly directed biasing force to the poppet member 646 that
biases the poppet valve 640 closed.
The through-hole 810' has a first hole portion 812 configured to
allow the outer overhanging stop portion 740 (see FIG. 16) of the
poppet member 646 to pass therethrough. The through-hole 810' has a
second hole portion 814 configured to prevent the outer overhanging
stop portion 740 (see FIG. 16) of the poppet member 646 from
passing therethrough. The first and second hole portions 812 and
814 are interconnected by a channel portion 816. The channel
portion 816 is configured to allow the outer recessed portion 742
(see FIGS. 16 and 17) of the poppet member 646 to travel between
the first and second hole portions 812 and 814. Referring to FIG.
11A, the VIA assembly 320 (see FIGS. 3, and 7) is assembled by
inserting the outer overhanging stop portion 740 (see FIG. 16) of
the poppet member 646 through the first hole portion 812 (see FIG.
11B) and positioning the outer recessed portion 742 (see FIGS. 16
and 17) of the poppet member 646 in the first hole portion 812.
Then, the outer recessed portion 742 (see FIGS. 16 and 17) of the
poppet member 646 is slid through the channel portion 816 (see FIG.
11B) from the first hole portion 812 (see FIG. 11B) to the second
hole portion 814 (see FIG. 11B). Because the outer overhanging stop
portion 740 (see FIG. 16) of the poppet member 646 cannot pass
through the second hole portion 814, the biasing member 632' is
trapped between the inwardly facing stop wall 750 (see FIG. 16) and
the outwardly facing stop wall 752 (see FIGS. 16 and 17).
Because the biasing member 632' is substantially identical to and
provides the same functionality as the biasing member 632, for the
sake of brevity, the operation of the VIA assembly 320 has been
described below with respect to the biasing member 632. However,
this description also applies to the biasing member 632'.
Referring to FIG. 12B, when the biasing member 632 is pressed
inwardly, the intermediate portion 806 (see FIG. 11A) of the
biasing member 632 presses on the outwardly facing stop wall 752
(see FIGS. 16 and 17) of the poppet member 646. When the biasing
member 632 and/or the poppet member 646 is pressed upon with
sufficient inwardly directed activation force to overcome both the
outwardly directed biasing force of the biasing member 632 and any
outwardly directed force created by internal fluid pressure, the
poppet member 646 will move inwardly and open the poppet valve 640.
By way of a non-limiting example, the activation force may be at
least 0.5 pound-force. By way of another non-limiting example, the
activation force may be between 1.3 pound-force and 1.8
pound-force.
Referring to FIG. 13, the poppet valve 640 may be opened by
pressing only on the intermediate portion 806 (see FIG. 11A) of the
biasing member 632 and not on the poppet member 646 directly. This
allows the poppet valve 640 to be opened even when the poppet valve
640 is not precisely aligned with the injection port 116. Thus, the
injection probe pin 652 may open the poppet valve 640 by pressing
on the biasing member 632 at a first location that is up to 25
degrees away from a second location at which the biasing member 632
is connected to the poppet member 646.
Thus, so long as the intermediate portion 806 is adjacent the
injection port 116, the poppet valve 640 may be opened. In other
words, a technician (or operator) in the field need not precisely
align the poppet valve 640 with the injection port 116. Instead,
the operator may align the poppet valve 640 with the injection port
116 rotationally by eye by aligning the alignment feature 338 on
the first end 350 of the MIC body 310 with a reference mark 820
(see FIGS. 1A and 1B) on the insulation shield 210 of the cable 110
outside the MIC body 310. Requiring less than a precise alignment
is useful because it can be difficult to achieve a precise
alignment in the field. For example, referring to FIG. 7, crimping
and/or swaging can lengthen and/or deform the cable conductor 202
(see FIGS. 3, 6A, and 6B), the first and second ends 560 and 562,
and/or the compression connector 502. Further, such lengthening
and/or deformation will vary in magnitude as crimping dies wear and
depends upon the precise location (e.g., longitudinally and
circumferentially) of each crimp or swage. The stochastic nature of
this process confounds precise alignment.
Referring to FIG. 13, as explained above, each of the biasing
members 632 and 632' may be characterized as serving dual
purposes:
1) biasing the poppet member 646 toward a closed position (see FIG.
12A); and
2) opening the poppet valve 640 when pressed inwardly (e.g., by the
injection probe pin 652) with sufficient inwardly directed force to
overcome the outwardly directed biasing force of the biasing member
632 (or alternatively, the biasing member 632') and any outwardly
directed force created by internal fluid pressure.
Referring to FIG. 3, while the VIA assembly 320 is illustrated as
being a subcomponent of the MIC 100, the VIA assembly 320 may also
be used in other injection components, such as injection elbows and
injection splices. In such embodiments (not shown), the valve
assembly 554 (see FIGS. 6B, 7, and 11A) is positioned inside the
injection component adjacent its injection port, and the VIA seals
552A and 552B (see FIGS. 6B, 7, and 11A) seal the valve assembly
554 within a fluid chamber substantially similar to the fluid
chamber 600 (see FIGS. 6B and 12A-13).
Installation
FIG. 20 is a flow diagram of a method 850 of installing the MIC 100
between the cable 110 and the cable accessory 112. The method 850
is performed by a human operator. The method 850 will be described
with respect to an embodiment of the MIC 100 that includes the
optional LPI 312 and the optional VIA assembly 320.
In first block 852, the operator prepares the cable 110 to be
connected to both the VIA assembly 320 and the MIC conductor 318 to
form the subassembly 330. For example, referring to FIG. 3, the
operator removes end portions of the cable jacket 214 (see FIG. 2)
and the neutrals 212 (see FIG. 2) from the end 220 of the cable 110
to expose the end portion 222 of the insulation shield 210. Then,
an end portion of the exposed end portion 222 of the insulation
shield 210 is removed to expose the end portion 223 of the
insulation layer 208. Finally, end portions of the exposed end
portion 223 of the insulation layer 208 and the conductor shield
206 (see FIG. 2) underneath the exposed end portion 223 are removed
to expose the end portion 224 of the cable conductor 202.
In next block 854, the operator slides the VIA assembly 320 onto
the end 220 of the cable 110. The exposed end portion 224 of the
cable conductor 202 is positioned inside the second end 562 of the
VIA body 550, and the exposed end portion 223 of the insulation
layer 208 is positioned inside the first end 560 of the VIA body
550.
Next, in block 856, the operator inserts the compression connector
502 of the MIC conductor 318 into the second end 562 of the VIA
body 550 with the exposed end portion 224 of the cable conductor
202 positioned inside the longitudinally extending channel 512.
Then, in block 858, the operator rotates the VIA assembly 320 to
place the poppet valve 640 of the valve assembly 554 in a desired
position. This allows the operator to control in which direction
the injection port 116 extends outwardly away from the VIA assembly
320.
In block 860, the operator performs swaging operations on the first
and second ends 560 and 562 of the VIA body 550 to complete the
subassembly 330. In block 862, the compression connector 502 and
the second end 562 of the VIA body 550 may be swaged together onto
the cable conductor 202 before the first end 560 of the VIA body
550 is swaged onto the exposed end portion 223 of the insulation
layer 208.
In block 862, the operator places the reference mark 820 (see FIG.
1A) on the exposed end portion 222 of the insulation shield 210.
The reference mark 820 is aligned longitudinally with the poppet
valve 640 of the valve assembly 554. The reference mark 820
indicates the desired rotational orientation of the injection port
116.
In block 864, the operator slides the MIC body 310 over the
subassembly 330 by inserting the free end 516 of the elongated
portion 504 of the MIC conductor 318 into the first channel opening
360 of the MIC body 310 with the injection port 116 aligned with
the reference mark 820 (see FIG. 7) on the insulation shield 210.
Then, the operator slides the MIC body 310 along the subassembly
330 until movement along the MIC axis 340 is halted by interference
between the VIA body 550 and at least one of the MIC body 310 and
the LPI 312. For example, the MIC body 310 may stop sliding with
respect to the subassembly 330 when the optional projection 378 of
the MIC body 310 is received by the optional first groove 584 of
the VIA body 550 and/or the optional projection(s) 586 of the VIA
body 550 is received inside the optional recess(es) 379 formed in
the MIC body 310. By way of another non-limiting example, the MIC
body 310 may stop sliding with respect to the subassembly 330 when
a tapered face of the projection 586 mates with (or abuts) a
tapered face of the edge 428 of the LPI 312, which positively
axially locates the VIA body 550 within the LPI 312 and positions
the poppet valve 640 adjacent the inner opening 412 (see FIGS. 6A
and 6B). At this point, referring to FIG. 3, the cable 110 extends
outwardly from the internal channel 356 through the first channel
opening 360 and the MIC conductor 318 extends outwardly from the
internal channel 356 through the second channel opening 362.
Returning to FIG. 20, in block 866, the operator rotates the MIC
body 310 to align the alignment feature 338 with the reference mark
820 (see FIG. 1A) on the exposed end portion 222 of the insulation
shield 210. This aligns the injection port 116 with the poppet
valve 640 of the valve assembly 554.
Referring to FIG. 1A, in optional block 867 (see FIG. 20), the
operator may rotate the fitting 230 and/or the MIC conductor 318
such that when the cable accessory 112 is assembled, the cable
accessory 112 will be in the correct orientation to be coupled to
the elbow bushing 256.
Then, in block 868 (see FIG. 20), the operator attaches the fitting
230 to the free end 516 of the elongated portion 504 of the MIC
conductor 318 to obtain the assembly shown in FIG. 1B. For example,
the operator may crimp the compression connector 232 of the fitting
230 onto the free end 516.
Returning to FIG. 20, in block 870, the operator assembles the
cable accessory 112 (see FIG. 1A). For example, referring to FIG.
1A, the operator may insert the second end 352 (see FIG. 3) of the
MIC body 310 and the elongated portion 504 (with the fitting 230
connected to the free end 516) into the housing 240 through the
opening 242. The second end 352 of the MIC body 310 and the
elongated portion 504 extend through the first branch 248 of the
internal L-shaped channel 246 and position the threaded hole 234 of
the fitting 230 at or near the intersection of the first and second
branches 248 and 250. The operator may insert the contact probe 236
into the second branch 250 through the opening 252 and attach the
contact probe 236 to the fitting 230 by screwing the threaded end
238 of the contact probe 236 into the threaded hole 234 of the
fitting 230. Next, the operator may place the housing 240 over the
elbow bushing 256 to thereby insert the elbow bushing 256 into the
housing 240 (via the opening 252) and connect the elbow bushing 256
to the contact probe 236.
In optional block 872, the operator connects the cable accessory
112 to other electrical equipment (not shown).
Then, the method 850 terminates.
Referring to FIG. 1A, after the method 850 (see FIG. 20) has been
performed, the MIC 100 is ready for the injection of the treatment
fluid 120. As mentioned above, the MIC 100 may be configured to
withstand injection pressures of about 30 psi to about 1000 psi.
Using higher injection pressures may accelerate the treatment of
the cable 110.
Injection Probe Assembly
Referring to FIG. 1A, as mentioned above, the MIC 100 is connected
between the cable 110 and the cable accessory 112. The injection
probe assembly 130 may be used to inject the treatment fluid 120
into the injection port 116 of the MIC 100. The injection probe
assembly 130 may be configured to inject the treatment fluid 120 at
injection pressures of about 30 psi to about 1000 psi. The injected
treatment fluid flows into the interior 122 (see FIG. 2) of the
cable 110. The assembly 114 may be characterized as being an entry
site. The treatment fluid 120 injected into the cable 110 may flow
therethrough to an exit site (not shown) whereat at least a portion
of the injected fluid exits the interior 122 (see FIG. 2) of the
cable 110. Fluid exiting the cable 110 at the exit site (not shown)
indicates that the interior 122 has been filled with the treatment
fluid 120.
Cable accessories (e.g., the cable accessory 112) may, at times,
operate partially or fully submerged under water. For example, a
transformer (not shown) to which the cable accessory 112 is
connected may be housed in an underground vault (not shown)
subjected to flooding. Injection equipment (e.g., the injection
probe assembly 130) may be connected to a cable (e.g., the cable
110) within the flooded underground vault.
Unfortunately, currently available technology used to inject the
treatment fluid 120 into the interior of an energized cable
presents a safety risk when used in locations that may be subject
to flooding. The treatment fluid 120 within the tube 132, the fluid
source 134 (e.g., a tank), and any connections therebetween may
come into fluidic contact with an energized cable conductor (like
cable conductor 202). While the treatment fluid 120 is
non-conductive and normally flowing into the cable at the entry
site, sometimes a portion of the treatment fluid 120 injected into
the cable may flow backwardly and out of the cable at the entry
site. This backward flow may be caused by thermal expansion in the
cable or pressure loss in the fluid source 134 (e.g., a tank). The
back flowing fluid exiting the cable may be contaminated with
conductive particles, which transform the electrically
non-conductive treatment fluid 120 into an electrically
semi-conductive fluid. At the exit site, the portion of the
treatment fluid 120 exiting the cable may be contaminated with
water loaded with ions that make the exiting fluid electrically
semi-conductive or conductive. When the cable is energized, the
contaminated (now electrically semi-conductive or conductive)
treatment fluid can transmit potential from the cable conductor.
Therefore, if the contaminated treatment fluid is not isolated from
the flood water, the operator may be injured by current flowing
from the cable through the contaminated treatment fluid and into
the flood water. This condition presents a significant safety risk
to the human operator. Any current flowing to ground from the cable
conductor can quickly escalate into a full discharge resulting in
loss of power and damage to the cable and equipment.
In a prior art injection component (e.g., an injection cap
illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 4,946,393), the energized treatment
fluid is often separated from the flood water by only one or more
threads of a threaded connection between the injection component
and a tubing connector (not shown) coupled to the tube 132. For
example, the distance between the energized treatment fluid and the
flood water may be as little as the width (e.g., about 0.06 inch)
of a single thread of the tubing connector. This distance is along
the interface of two electrically insulating materials.
As mentioned above, the treatment fluid 120 may be made
electrically semi-conductive or conductive by external
contamination. As will be explained below, the injection probe
assembly 130 includes seals positioned to provide separation
between the energized and potentially contaminated treatment fluid
and the outside environment (which may include flood water) to
prevent the flow of current from the cable conductor 202 (see FIG.
2) through energized and contaminated treatment fluid and into the
outside environment (e.g., into the flood water). By way of a
non-limiting example, the injection probe assembly 130 and the
manner in which the injection probe assembly 130 connects to the
LPI 312 of the MIC 100 may provide a minimum distance of about 0.30
inches between the treatment fluid 120 and the outside environment
along any interfaces between insulating materials positioned along
the flow of the treatment fluid 120 into the MIC body 310 or the
MIC body 310' (see FIG. 18). By way of another non-limiting
example, the injection probe assembly 130 and the MIC 100 may
provide a minimum distance of about 0.10 inches between the
treatment fluid 120 and the outside environment through any solid
insulating materials positioned along the flow of the treatment
fluid 120 into the MIC body 310 or the MIC body 310' (see FIG.
18).
FIG. 21 is an enlarged portion of FIG. 1A showing the injection
probe assembly 130 and the injection port 116 of the MIC 100. The
injection probe assembly 130 may be used with any injection
component (e.g., the MIC 100, an injection elbow, an injection
splice, and the like) that includes an injection port like the
injection port 116. Referring to FIG. 21, the injection probe
assembly 130 includes the injection probe pin 136, which includes
an elongated pin 902 connected to a probe tip 904. Referring to
FIG. 23A, the elongated pin 902 and the probe tip 904 (see FIGS. 21
and 22) are used to open the poppet valve 640 by pressing inwardly
on the poppet member 646 (see FIGS. 11A, 12A-14, 16, and 17), the
biasing member 632, or the biasing member 632' (see FIG. 11B).
FIG. 22 is an exploded perspective view of the injection probe
assembly 130. Referring to FIG. 22, in addition to the injection
probe pin 136 (see FIGS. 1A, 21, and 22), the injection probe
assembly 130 includes seals 906A-906G, a tapered injection nozzle
910, a poppet member or an inner cap 912, a biasing member 914
(e.g., a coil spring), an outer cap 920, an elbow shaped connector
922, a fitting 924, a ferrule sleeve 926, a ferrule cone 928, and a
connector 930 (e.g., a nut). By way of non-limiting examples, the
ferrule sleeve 926, the ferrule cone 928, and the connector 930 may
be purchased from JACO Manufacturing Company of Berea, Ohio.
However, other components may be used.
As will be described below, the seals 906B, 906E, and 906G and the
ferrule sleeve 926 help prevent water 940 (see FIGS. 24A and 24B)
from entering the injection probe assembly 130 and the MIC 100 (see
FIG. 21). For ease of illustration, both the cable 110 (see FIG.
6A) and the MIC conductor 318 (see FIG. 6A) have been omitted from
FIGS. 24A and 24B. In FIG. 24A, the water 940 trying to infiltrate
the injection probe assembly 130 and the MIC 100 has been
illustrated using bold lines W1-W6 extending between adjacent
components. As may be viewed in FIG. 24A, the seals 906B, 906E, and
906G and the ferrule sleeve 926 stop this water infiltration.
Referring to FIG. 24B, the seals 906A, 906D and 906F help prevent
the treatment fluid 120 from exiting the injection probe assembly
130 and/or the injection port 116. In FIG. 24B, the treatment fluid
120 trying to escape from the injection probe assembly 130 and the
injection port 116 has been illustrated using bold lines TF1-TF6
extending between adjacent components. As may be viewed in FIG.
24B, the seals 906A, 906D and 906F retain the treatment fluid 120
inside the injection probe assembly 130 and the injection port 116
and prevent the treatment fluid 120 from escaping.
Further, as shown in FIGS. 24A and 24B, the bold lines W1-W6
illustrating the potentially infiltrating water 940 and the bold
lines TF1-TF6 illustrating the potentially escaping treatment fluid
120 are spaced apart from one another by at least a minimum
distance (e.g., about 0.30 inches). In other words, the potentially
infiltrating water 940 is kept apart from the potentially escaping
treatment fluid 120 by at least the minimum distance (e.g., about
0.30 inches).
Referring to FIG. 22, the elongated pin 902 has a tethered end 950
opposite a free end 952. The probe tip 904 is attached to the free
end 952. Referring to FIG. 23A, the elongated pin 902 spaces the
probe tip 904 (see FIGS. 21 and 22) away from the tapered injection
nozzle 910 and further into the injection port 116 when the
injection probe assembly 130 is used to inject the treatment fluid
120 into the injection port 116 of the MIC 100. The elongated pin
902 may be constructed from pultruded fiberglass, which is
electrically non-conductive. While pultruded fiberglass will
fracture when bent too far, the elongated pin 902 will not break
into two pieces and leave a portion including the probe tip 904
inside the energized MIC 100.
Referring to FIG. 22, the tapered injection nozzle 910 has free
first end portion 956 opposite a second end portion 958. In the
embodiment illustrated, the free first end portion 956 has a
generally hexagonal cross-sectional shape that may be gripped so
that torque may be applied to the second end portion 958. The
torque applied rotates the tapered injection nozzle 910 for the
purposes of coupling the tapered injection nozzle 910 to the elbow
shaped connector 922 and uncoupling the tapered injection nozzle
910 from the elbow shaped connector 922. The tapered injection
nozzle 910 narrows toward its free first end portion 956. The
second end portion 958 is configured to be removably coupled to the
elbow shaped connector 922 inside the outer cap 920. Referring to
FIG. 23A, an open-ended internal through-channel 960 extends
between the first and second end portions 956 and 958. The
elongated pin 902 extends through the internal through-channel 960
and outwardly therefrom beyond the first end portion 956. The
internal through-channel 960 has a larger cross section than the
elongated pin 902 which allows the treatment fluid 120 (see FIGS.
24A and 24B) to flow through the internal through-channel 960
alongside the elongated pin 902.
Referring to FIG. 25, the tapered injection nozzle 910 has a
chamber 964 formed in the second end portion 958. The tapered
injection nozzle 910 has a surface 961 that faces upwardly into the
chamber 964. An annular shaped groove 962 is formed in the upwardly
facing surface 961. The groove 962 is concentric with and spaced
apart from the internal through-channel 960. Referring to FIG. 23B,
as will be described below, the chamber 964 (see FIG. 25) is
configured to house the inner cap 912, the biasing member 914, a
portion of the elbow shaped connector 922, and the seals 906C-906E.
Referring to FIG. 23A, the internal through-channel 960 opens into
the chamber 964 (see FIG. 25) and the elongated pin 902 extends
outwardly from the internal through-channel 960 into the chamber
964. Referring to FIG. 25, the chamber 964 is defined by a sidewall
966 with inside threads 968 formed therein.
Referring to FIG. 22, in the embodiment illustrated, the tapered
injection nozzle 910 is generally cone shaped and has a generally
circular cross sectional shape. Between its first and second end
portions 956 and 958, the tapered injection nozzle 910 has first
and second spaced apart grooves 970A and 970B that each extend
circumferentially along its outer surface 972. The first groove
970A is nearer the free first end portion 956 than the second
groove 970B. The first and second grooves 970A and 970B are
configured to at least partially receive the seals 906A and 906B,
respectively. In the embodiment illustrated, the seals 906A and
906B have been implemented as O-rings.
Referring to FIG. 23A, in embodiments that include the LPI 312, the
seals 906A and 906B form fluid tight seals between the tapered
injection nozzle 910 and the portion of the LPI 312 lining the
tapered channel 376 when the injection probe assembly 130 is
inserted into the injection port 116. Similarly, in embodiments
that omit the LPI 312, the seals 906A and 906B form fluid tight
seals between the tapered injection nozzle 910 and the MIC body
310' (see FIG. 18) along the tapered channel 376' (see FIG. 18)
when the injection probe assembly 130 is inserted into the
injection port 116. Thus, as illustrated by the bold lines TF1 and
TF2 in FIG. 24B, the seal 906A prevents the treatment fluid 120
from flowing backwardly and into the outside environment through
the injection port 116. At the same time, referring to FIG. 24A, as
illustrated by the bold lines W1 and W2, the seal 906B prevents the
water 940 from flowing into the MIC 100 from the outside
environment via the injection port 116.
Referring to FIG. 22, the tapered injection nozzle 910 passes
partially through the outer cap 920 and is coupled at its second
end portion 958 to the elbow shaped connector 922 inside the outer
cap 920. As may be seen in FIG. 23B, the elongated pin 902 is
coupled to the inner cap 912 inside the chamber 964 (see FIG. 25).
The inner cap 912 anchors the elongated pin 902 inside the chamber
964 and prevents the tethered end 950 (see FIG. 22) of the
elongated pin 902 from exiting the chamber 964 through the internal
through-channel 960 (see FIGS. 23A and 25). The biasing member 914
abuts the inner cap 912 and applies a biasing force thereto that
biases the inner cap 912 (and the elongated pin 902) toward the
free first end portion 956 (see FIG. 22) of the tapered injection
nozzle 910.
In the embodiment illustrated, the seals 906C-906E have been
implemented as O-rings. The seal 906C is positioned inside the
groove 962 (see FIG. 25) within the chamber 964 (see FIG. 25). The
seals 906D and 906E are positioned between the elbow shaped
connector 922 and the tapered injection nozzle 910 within the
chamber 964 (see FIG. 25). Referring to FIG. 24B, as illustrated by
the bold lines TF3 and TF4, the seal 906D helps prevent the
treatment fluid 120 from exiting the injection probe assembly 130
through any gaps that may exist between the tapered injection
nozzle 910 and the elbow shaped connector 922. Referring to FIG.
24A, as illustrated by the bold lines W1 and W2, the seal 906E
helps prevent the water 940 from infiltrating into the injection
probe assembly 130 through any gaps that may exist between the
tapered injection nozzle 910 and the elbow shaped connector
922.
Referring to FIG. 23A, the outer cap 920 has an open-ended
through-channel 980 formed therein that extends between first and
second openings 982 and 984. The injection port 116 may be inserted
into the through-channel 980 through the first opening 982. The
elbow shaped connector 922 extends into the through-channel 980
through the second opening 984. The tapered injection nozzle 910 is
connected to the elbow shaped connector 922 inside the
through-channel 980 and extends outwardly from the through-channel
980 through the first opening 982.
Referring to FIG. 26, a first channel portion 986 adjacent the
first opening 982 is defined by a skirt portion 988. The first
channel portion 986 is configured to receive the outer sidewall 368
of the injection port 116 formed in the insulation portion 334 of
the MIC body 310. The skirt portion 988 is semi-conductive and
covers the outer sidewall 368. Referring to FIG. 23A, in
embodiments including the LPI 312, the skirt portion 988 contacts
the semi-conductive outer insulation shield 332 of the MIC body 310
surrounding the base of the outer sidewall 368. Referring to FIG.
18, in embodiments that omit the LPI 312, the skirt portion 988
contacts the semi-conductive outer insulation shield 332' of the
MIC body 310' surrounding the base of the outer sidewall 368'.
The outer cap 920 differs from outer insulated coverings included
on conventional injection probes (not shown), which are typically
constructed from only electrically insulating material(s). Because
conventional insulated coverings are constructed from only
electrically insulating material(s), they suffer from at least two
significant limitations. First, outer insulated coverings prevent
the connection formed between the conventional cap and the
injection component from being approved or rated for submersible
applications in which a voltage differential between the voltage in
the cable conductor and ground voltage is 8.8 kilovolts (kV) to
20.5 kV (which is commonly found in medium voltage systems).
Second, outer insulated coverings allow a capacitive charge to be
created at and around the injection port of the injection
component. This capacitive charge could injure a human operator or
lineman.
Referring to FIG. 26, the through-channel 980 has a second channel
portion 990 opposite the first channel portion 986. Referring to
FIG. 23A, the second channel portion 990 (see FIG. 26) is
configured to house the second end portion 958 of the tapered
injection nozzle 910. The second end portion 958 is too large to
pass through the second opening 984 (see FIG. 26) of the outer cap
920. Thus, when the second end portion 958 of the tapered injection
nozzle 910 is coupled to the elbow shaped connector 922, a portion
992 (see FIGS. 23B and 26) of the outer cap 920 adjacent the second
opening 984 is sandwiched between the second end portion 958 and
the elbow shaped connector 922.
Referring to FIG. 21, as mentioned above, the LPI 312 includes the
connectors 404A and 404B (e.g., a pair of projections of a bayonet
type connector). Referring to FIG. 26, the outer cap 920 includes
connectors 994A and 994B configured to mate with the connectors
404A and 404B (see FIG. 21), respectively. In the embodiment
illustrated, the connectors 994A and 994B are implemented as
grooves configured to receive the connectors 404A and 404B. The
connectors 994A and 994B are positioned inside the through-channel
980 between its first and second channel portions 986 and 990.
Optionally, one or more gripping projections 996A and 996B extend
outwardly away from the through-channel 980. In the embodiment
illustrated, the gripping projections 996A and 996B are
substantially collinear and orthogonal to the through-channel 980.
The outer cap 920 may be gripped by the gripping projections 996A
and 996B and twisted. The gripping projections 996A and 996B may be
used to rotate the outer cap 920 such that the connectors 994A and
994B receive and mate with the connectors 404A and 404B (see FIG.
21), respectively, when twisted in a first direction, and disengage
with the connectors 404A and 404B, respectively, when twisted in a
second direction opposite the first direction. In other words, one
of the gripping projections 996A and 996B is pushed upon at the
same time the other of the gripping projections 996A and 996B is
pulled upon. This configuration helps overcome adhesion between the
outer cap 920 and the MIC 100.
In the embodiment illustrated, the gripping projections 996A and
996B are positioned with respect to the connectors 994A and 994B to
provide a visual indication of whether the outer cap 920 is coupled
to or uncoupled from the MIC 100. In the embodiment illustrated,
when the substantially collinear gripping projections 996A and 996B
are substantially aligned with the MIC axis 340 (see FIG. 5), the
outer cap 920 is uncoupled from the MIC 100. On the other hand, the
outer cap 920 is coupled to the MIC 100 when the substantially
collinear gripping projections 996A and 996B are substantially
orthogonal to the MIC axis 340 (see FIG. 5).
Referring to FIG. 22, the elbow shaped connector 922 has a first
leg 1000 and a second leg 1002. In the embodiment illustrated, the
first leg 1000 is approximately orthogonal to the second leg 1002.
The first leg 1000 is connected to the tapered injection nozzle 910
(and the outer cap 920) and the second leg 1002 is connected to
both the fitting 924 and the tube 132.
Referring to FIG. 27, the first leg 1000 is configured to be at
least partially received inside the chamber 964 (see FIG. 25). The
first leg 1000 has outside threads 1008 configured to threadedly
engage the inside threads 968 (see FIG. 25) of the chamber 964 (see
FIG. 25). The first leg 1000 has a lower edge 1010 configured to
capture or trap the seal 906C (see FIG. 23B) within the groove 962
(see FIG. 25) when the first leg 1000 is fully threaded into the
chamber 964 (see FIG. 25). The first leg 1000 has a recessed
portion 1012 configured to fit inside the seal 906D (see FIG. 23B).
Referring to FIG. 23B, when the first leg 1000 is fully threaded
into the chamber 964 (see FIG. 25), the recessed portion 1012 (see
FIG. 27) presses the seal 906D against the sidewall 966 (see FIG.
25) and forms a fluid tight seal between the first leg 1000 and the
sidewall 966 of the chamber 964. Returning to FIG. 27, the first
leg 1000 has a groove 1014E formed therein configured to at least
partially receive the seal 906E (see FIG. 22). Referring to FIG.
23B, when the first leg 1000 is fully threaded into the chamber 964
(see FIG. 25), the seal 906E is pressed against the sidewall
966.
As shown in FIG. 23B, an L-shaped internal through-channel 1020
extends through the elbow shaped connector 922. Referring to FIG.
27, the through-channel 1020 opens into an open valve chamber 1022
in the first leg 1000 and an open chamber 1024 in the second leg
1002. Referring to FIG. 23B, the valve chamber 1022 is configured
to house the inner cap 912 (with the tethered end 950 of the
elongated pin 902 attached thereto) and the biasing member 914. The
biasing member 914 is positioned between the inner cap 912 and an
interior surface 1025 of the valve chamber 1022.
Together the first leg 1000 and the second end portion 958 of the
tapered injection nozzle 910 functions as a valve housing for a
poppet valve 1023 that is opened by the elongated pin 902. The
inner cap 912, which is attached to the elongated pin 902,
functions as a moveable poppet member of the poppet valve 1023. The
biasing member 914 biases the inner cap 912 toward a closed
position. Thus, when the injection probe pin 136 (see FIGS. 1A, 21,
and 22) is not pressing against the biasing member 632 (see FIGS.
7, 11A-13 and 23A), the clip 634 (see FIGS. 7, 11A, 12A, and 12B),
or the poppet member 646 (see FIGS. 11A, 12A-14, 16, and 17) of the
VIA assembly 320, the biasing member 914 may bias the poppet valve
1023 closed. The biasing member 914 also allows the injection probe
pin 136 (see FIGS. 1A, 21, and 22) to open the poppet valve 1023
when the injection probe pin 136 is pressed against different
surfaces located at different distances from the free first end
portion 956 of the tapered injection nozzle 910. For example, the
injection probe pin 136 is operable to open the poppet valve 1023
when pressed against the biasing member 632, the clip 634, or the
poppet member 646. Similarly, the injection probe pin 136 is
operable to open the poppet valve 1023 even if the size and/or
position of the components varies due to manufacturing
inconsistencies.
In the closed position, the inner cap 912 compresses the seal 906C,
which forms a fluid tight seal between the inner cap 912 and the
second end portion 958 of the tapered injection nozzle 910. When
the elongated pin 902 is pressed outwardly with sufficient force to
overcome an inwardly directed biasing force of the biasing member
914, the inner cap 912 moves outwardly away from the seal 906C and
the poppet valve 1023 opens. The inner cap 912 is small enough to
allow the treatment fluid 120 to flow around the inner cap 912,
through the valve chamber 1022, and into the internal
through-channel 960 when the poppet valve 1023 is open.
The open chamber 1024 is configured to receive a portion of the
fitting 924, the tube 132, and the seals 906F and 906G. In the
embodiment illustrated, the seals 906F and 906G have been
implemented as O-rings. The seal 906F is positioned inside the open
chamber 1024 between the tube 132, and the fitting 924. Referring
to FIG. 24B, as illustrated by the bold lines TF5 and TF6, the seal
906F helps prevent the treatment fluid 120 from exiting the
injection probe assembly 130 through any gaps that may exist
between the tube 132, the elbow shaped connector 922, and the
fitting 924. The seal 906F is configured to withstand higher
pressures (e.g., about 600 psi) than the ferrule sleeve 926. This
configuration protects the ferrule sleeve 926 (which, depending
upon the implementation details, may withstand about 220 psi) when
operating at higher pressures (e.g., about 600 psi) and takes
advantage of the ferrule sleeve's ability to mechanically hold the
tube 132.
Referring to FIG. 24A, the seal 906G is positioned between the
elbow shaped connector 922 and the fitting 924 within the open
chamber 1024 (see FIG. 27). As illustrated by the bold lines W3 and
W4, the seal 906G helps prevent the water 940 from entering the
injection probe assembly 130 through any gaps that may exist
between the elbow shaped connector 922 and the fitting 924.
Returning to FIG. 27, the open chamber 1024 is defined by a
sidewall 1026 with inside threads 1028 formed therein. Referring to
FIG. 23B, the open chamber 1024 has a narrower portion 1030
configured to receive an end 1032 (see FIG. 22) of the tube 132
(see FIG. 22). A shoulder 1034 is formed in the open chamber 1024
between the inside threads 1028 and the narrower portion 1030. The
seal 906F is positioned against the shoulder 1034. The end 1032 of
the tube 132 passes through the seal 906F and terminates inside the
narrower portion 1030. The seal 906F is pressed against the
shoulder 1034 by the fitting 924.
The fitting 924 has a first threaded end 1040 opposite a second
threaded end 1042. The fitting 924 also has an intermediate portion
1043 positioned between the first and second threaded ends 1040 and
1042. The intermediate portion 1043 has a generally hexagonal
cross-sectional shape that may be gripped so that torque may be
applied to the fitting 924 to rotate the fitting 924 or hold the
fitting 924 in place.
The first and second threaded ends 1040 and 1042 have outside
threads 1044 and 1046, respectively. The outside threads 1044 of
the first threaded end 1040 are configured to mate with the inside
threads 1028 of the elbow shaped connector 922. The first threaded
end 1040 has an edge surface 1050 that abuts and presses on the
seal 906F when the first threaded end 1040 is fully threaded into
the open chamber 1024. The fitting 924 has a stop portion 1052
spaced apart from the outside threads 1044. The seal 906G is
positioned between the outside threads 1044 and the stop portion
1052. The stop portion 1052 traps the seal 906G inside the open
chamber 1024 when the first threaded end 1040 is fully threaded
into the open chamber 1024. The second threaded end 1042 is
configured to mate with the connector 930. The fitting 924 has a
through-channel 1060 configured to allow the tube 132 to pass
therethrough.
The connector 930 has an open-ended through-channel 1070 with a
tapered end 1072 opposite a threaded end 1074. The ferrule cone 928
is positioned inside the tapered end 1072. The ferrule sleeve 926
extends from the ferrule cone 928 toward the threaded end 1074. The
tube 132 passes through the ferrule cone 928 and the ferrule sleeve
926 inside the through-channel 1070. Together, the ferrule cone 928
and the ferrule sleeve 926 line part of the through-channel 1070
and help grip the tube 132. The threaded end 1074 has inside
threads 1076 configured to mate with the outside threads 1046 of
the second threaded end 1042 of the fitting 924. The ferrule sleeve
926 forms a fluid tight seal between the fitting 924 and the tube
132. Thus, the ferrule sleeve 926 helps prevent the water 940 (see
FIGS. 24A and 24B) from entering the injection probe assembly 130
and the MIC 100 (see FIG. 21). The ferrule cone 928 and ferrule
sleeve 926 also helps hold the tube 132 in place but, depending
upon the implementation details, may withstand pressures up to only
about 220 psi.
Referring to FIG. 24B, when the treatment fluid 120 is injected
using the injection probe assembly 130, the pressurized treatment
fluid 120 travels through the tube 132 and enters the L-shaped
internal through-channel 1020 formed in the elbow shaped connector
922. The treatment fluid 120 next enters the chamber 964 of the
tapered injection nozzle 910 and flows into the internal
through-channel 960 alongside the elongated pin 902. Then, the
treatment fluid 120 exits the internal through-channel 960 and
enters the first through channel 416 in embodiments that include
the LPI 312 or the tapered channel 376' (see FIG. 18) in
embodiments that omit the LPI 312. Optionally, the treatment fluid
120 may pass through the RFP plug 314 (see FIGS. 3, 4, and 23A),
which may be positioned within the first through channel 416 or the
tapered channel 376'. Then, the treatment fluid 120 enters into the
fluid chamber 600 (see FIGS. 6B and 12A-13) in embodiments that
include the LPI 312 (and the VIA assembly 320) or the interior
chamber 366' (see FIG. 18) in embodiments that omit the LPI
312.
Referring to FIG. 26, by coupling the injection probe assembly 130
to the injection port 116 using the connectors 994A and 994B and
the connectors 404A and 404B, the connection formed between the
injection probe assembly 130 and the injection port 116 may
withstand higher injection pressures (e.g., greater than about 30
psi) than connections formed between conventional injection
assemblies and an injection port, which are typically interference
fits. For example, the connection between the injection probe
assembly 130 and the injection port 116 may remained sealed and not
leak when the treatment fluid 120 is injected at a pressure within
a range of about 30 psi to about 1000 psi. Further, this connection
will remained sealed and not leak at pressures below 30 psi.
The connectors 994A and 994B are configured to break before the
connectors 404A and 404B. In this manner, the outer cap 920 will
not damage the LPI 312. Further, the outer cap 920 may absorb
external forces and help shield the LPI 312 from damage.
The injection probe assembly 130 may be characterized as including
double fluid seals at all points of separation between the voltage
of the cable conductor 202 and ground voltage to prevent
potentially conductive fluids (the treatment fluid 120 and the
water 940) from coming into close contact with one another when at
least a portion of the MIC 100, the cable 110, the cable accessory
112, and/or injection probe assembly 130 is submerged in the water
940. For example, the seals 906A and 906B may be characterized as
being a first pair of seals that separate the treatment fluid 120
from the water 940. Similarly, the seals 906D and 906E may be
characterized as being a second pair of seals that separate the
treatment fluid 120 from the water 940. Finally, the seals 906F and
906G may be characterized as being a third pair of seals that
separate the treatment fluid 120 from the water 940.
Also, referring to FIG. 1A, the injection probe assembly 130 does
not have a pulling eyelet (like either of the pulling eyelets 258
and 260) that can be mistaken for the pulling eyelet 258 of the cap
257 or the pulling eyelet 260 of the cable accessory 112. Thus, the
injection probe assembly 130 will not be mistakenly removed by a
lineman who is unfamiliar with injection components. This improves
safety because removing a conventional injection assembly that is
covering an injection port alongside an energized cable has been
known to cause dangerous flashovers. Further, because the injection
probe assembly 130 does not have a pulling eyelet, the injection
probe assembly 130 has a lower profile than injection assemblies or
devices that include such eyelets, which is advantageous in a space
constricted installation where the pulling eyelet may
interfere.
CAP
Referring to FIG. 1A, as mentioned above, the skirt portion 144 of
the cap 140 is constructed from an electrically semi-conductive
material. A conventional cap is typically coupled to an injection
component by a detent ring (not shown) that has been known to
separate from the injection component during normal injection
operations performed at pressures not greater than 30 psi. Due to
elevation changes and thermal expansion, pressures within the cable
and at its terminations can exceed the injection pressure.
As mentioned above, the cap 140 may be used to close the injection
port 116 and seal it from the outside environment whenever the
injection probe assembly 130 (or other injection device) is not
connected to the injection port 116. When the cap 140 is attached
to the injection port 116, the stem portion 142 extends into the
injection port 116 and prevents fluid from exiting the MIC 100
through the injection port 116 thereby isolating and insulating the
interior of the MIC 100 from the outside environment. The cap 140
may remain in place on the injection port 116 until the completion
of a soak period (e.g., about 60 days to about 90 days), if
required. By way of another non-limiting example, the cap 140 may
remain in place on the injection port 116 during the electrical
service life of the MIC 100.
Referring to FIG. 31, the cap 140 includes an outer cap 2000 that
is substantially identical to the outer cap 920 (see FIGS. 21-23A
and 26) of the injection probe assembly 130. The skirt portion 144
of the cap 140 is a subcomponent of the outer cap 2000 and is
substantially identical to the skirt portion 988 (see FIGS. 23A and
26) of the outer cap 920 (see FIGS. 21-23A and 26).
The outer cap 2000 has an open-ended through-channel 2002 formed
therein that extends between first and second openings 2004 and
2006. The skirt portion 144 has a lower edge 2008 that defines the
first opening 2004 into the through-channel 2002. As shown in FIG.
30, the injection port 116 may be inserted into the through-channel
2002 through the first opening 2004. Returning to FIG. 31, a first
channel portion 2010 adjacent the first opening 2004 is defined by
the skirt portion 144. The through-channel 2002 has a second
channel portion 2012 opposite the first channel portion 2010.
The stem portion 142 has a tethered end 2020 opposite a free end
2022. The tethered end 2020 is attached to the outer cap 2000
inside the second channel portion 2012 and closes the second
opening 2006. The stem portion 142 extends from its tethered end
2020 through the through-channel 2002, exits therefrom through the
first opening 2004, and terminates at an end surface 2026
positioned beyond the lower edge 2008 of the skirt portion 144.
A semi-conductive outer coating (not shown), such as a
semi-conductive layer of paint, is applied to the outer surface of
the cap 140. This outer coating (not shown) covers the tethered end
2020 of the stem portion 142 within the second opening 2006. Thus,
the entire exposed outer surface of the cap 140 is
semi-conductive.
Referring to FIG. 30, when the cap 140 is attached to the injection
port 116, the stem portion 142 fills and closes the outer opening
410 in embodiments that include the LPI 312 or the outer opening
370' (see FIG. 18) in embodiments that omit the LPI 312. Together,
the outer cap 2000 and the stem portion 142 completely cover and
seal the injection port 116. Referring to FIG. 28, the seal formed
between the cap 140 and the injection port 116 is fluid tight and
prevents any fluids (e.g., the water 940 illustrated in FIGS. 24A
and 24B) outside the cap 140 and/or the MIC 100 from entering the
injection port 116.
Referring to FIG. 28, in embodiments that include the LPI 312, the
stem portion 142 is inserted into the portion of the LPI 312 lining
the injection port 116. In other words, referring to FIG. 30, the
stem portion 142 is inserted into the tapered first through channel
416 through the outer opening 410. If the RFP plug 314 is
positioned inside the first through channel 416, the end surface
2026 of the stem portion 142 may displace and/or compress the RFP
plug 314 (against the shoulder 418) inside the first through
channel 416.
On the other hand, referring to FIG. 18, in embodiments that omit
the LPI 312, the stem portion 142 (see FIGS. 1A, 28, 30, and 31) is
inserted into the tapered channel 376' through the outer opening
370'. If the RFP plug 314 (see FIGS. 3, 4, and 30) is positioned
inside the tapered channel 376', the end surface 2026 (see FIGS. 30
and 31) of the stem portion 142 may displace and/or compress the
RFP plug 314 (against the outer sidewall 368' adjacent the inner
opening 372' of the tapered channel 376') inside the tapered
channel 376'.
Referring to FIG. 30, as mentioned above, the cap 140 may be
characterized as being permanent because the cap 140 closes the
injection port 116 electrically. The stem portion 142 is
constructed from electrically insulating material, and the skirt
portion 144 is constructed from electrically semi-conductive
material.
The stem portion 142 seals the first through channel 416 or the
tapered channel 376' (see FIG. 18) with electrically insulating
material. In embodiments that include the LPI 312, the outer
sidewall 368 (formed in the insulation portion 334) is received
inside the first channel portion 2010 (see FIG. 31) between the
stem portion 142 and the skirt portion 144. On the other hand,
referring to FIG. 18, in embodiments that omit the LPI 312, the
outer sidewall 368' (formed in the insulation portion 334') of the
MIC body 310' is received inside the first channel portion 2010
(see FIG. 31) between the stem portion 142 and the skirt portion
144. In this manner, the skirt portion 144 covers the insulating
outer sidewall 368 or 368' with an electrically semi-conductive
material. Further, along its lower edge 2008, the skirt portion 144
contacts the semi-conductive outer insulation shield 332 of the MIC
body 310 (which may be connected to ground by a ground wire) in
embodiments that include the LPI 312 or the semi-conductive outer
insulation shield 332' (see FIG. 18) of the MIC body 310' (which
may be connected to ground by a ground wire) in embodiments that
omit the LPI 312.
Referring to FIG. 31, in embodiments that include the LPI 312, the
cap 140 includes connectors 2034A and 2034B configured to mate with
the connectors 404A and 404B (see FIG. 28), respectively, of the
LPI 312. The connectors 2034A and 2034B may be substantially
identical to the connectors 994A and 994B (see FIGS. 23B and 26).
The connectors 2034A and 2034B are positioned between the first and
second channel portions 2010 and 2012.
Referring to FIG. 30, by coupling the cap 140 to the injection port
116 using the connectors 2034A and 2034B (see FIG. 31) and the
connectors 404A and 404B (see FIG. 28), the connection formed
between the cap 140 and the injection port 116 may withstand higher
injection pressures (e.g., greater than about 30 psi) than
connections formed between conventional caps and an injection port,
which are typically interference fits or detent-type connections.
For example, the connection between the cap 140 and the injection
port 116 may remained sealed and not leak when the treatment fluid
120 has been injected at a pressure within a range of about 30 psi
to about 1000 psi. Further, this connection will remain sealed and
not leak at pressures below 30 psi.
The connectors 2034A and 2034B (see FIG. 31) are configured to
break before the connectors 404A and 404B. In this manner, the cap
140 will not damage the LPI 312. Further, the cap 140 may absorb
external forces and help shield the LPI 312 from damage.
Referring to FIGS. 28 and 29, optionally, the cap 140 includes one
or more gripping projections 2036A and 2036B substantially
identical to the gripping projections 996A and 996B (see FIG. 26).
The cap 140 may be gripped by the gripping projections 2036A and
2036B and twisted. In other words, one of the gripping projections
2036A and 2036B is pushed upon at the same time the other of the
gripping projections 2036A and 2036B is pulled. This configuration
helps overcome adhesion between the cap 140 and the MIC 100. The
gripping projections 2036A and 2036B may be used to rotate the cap
140 such that the connectors 2034A and 2034B (see FIG. 31) receive
and mate with the connectors 404A and 404B (see FIG. 28),
respectively, when twisted in a first direction, and disengage with
the connectors 404A and 404B, respectively, when twisted in a
second direction opposite the first direction.
In the embodiment illustrated, the gripping projections 2036A and
2036B are positioned with respect to the connectors 2034A and 2034B
(see FIG. 31) to provide a visual indication of whether the cap 140
is coupled to or uncoupled from the MIC 100. In the embodiment
illustrated, when the substantially collinear gripping projections
2036A and 2036B are substantially aligned with the MIC axis 340
(see FIG. 5), the cap 140 is uncoupled from the MIC 100. On the
other hand, the cap 140 is coupled to the MIC 100 when the
substantially collinear gripping projections 2036A and 2036B are
substantially orthogonal to the MIC axis 340 (see FIG. 5).
Referring to FIG. 1A, the cap 140 does not have a pulling eyelet
(like either of the pulling eyelets 258 and 260) that can be
mistaken for the pulling eyelet 258 of the cap 257 or the pulling
eyelet 260 of the cable accessory 112. Thus, the cap 140 will not
be mistakenly removed by a lineman who is unfamiliar with injection
components. This improves safety because removing a conventional
cap that is covering an injection port alongside an energized cable
has been known to cause dangerous flashovers. Further, because the
cap 140 does not have a pulling eyelet, the cap 140 has a lower
profile than caps that include such eyelets.
The foregoing described embodiments depict different components
contained within, or connected with, different other components. It
is to be understood that such depicted architectures are merely
exemplary, and that in fact many other architectures can be
implemented which achieve the same functionality. In a conceptual
sense, any arrangement of components to achieve the same
functionality is effectively "associated" such that the desired
functionality is achieved. Hence, any two components herein
combined to achieve a particular functionality can be seen as
"associated with" each other such that the desired functionality is
achieved, irrespective of architectures or intermedial components.
Likewise, any two components so associated can also be viewed as
being "operably connected," or "operably coupled," to each other to
achieve the desired functionality.
While particular embodiments of the present invention have been
shown and described, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art
that, based upon the teachings herein, changes and modifications
may be made without departing from this invention and its broader
aspects and, therefore, the appended claims are to encompass within
their scope all such changes and modifications as are within the
true spirit and scope of this invention. Furthermore, it is to be
understood that the invention is solely defined by the appended
claims. It will be understood by those within the art that, in
general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims
(e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as
"open" terms (e.g., the term "including" should be interpreted as
"including but not limited to," the term "having" should be
interpreted as "having at least," the term "includes" should be
interpreted as "includes but is not limited to," etc.). It will be
further understood by those within the art that if a specific
number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an
intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence
of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an
aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain
usage of the introductory phrases "at least one" and "one or more"
to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases
should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim
recitation by the indefinite articles "a" or "an" limits any
particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to
inventions containing only one such recitation, even when the same
claim includes the introductory phrases "one or more" or "at least
one" and indefinite articles such as "a" or "an" (e.g., "a" and/or
"an" should typically be interpreted to mean "at least one" or "one
or more"); the same holds true for the use of definite articles
used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a
specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly
recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such
recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the
recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of "two recitations,"
without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations,
or two or more recitations).
Accordingly, the invention is not limited except as by the appended
claims.
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